NFL Exec: Steelers Won't 'Be Strong-Armed' amid Russell Wilson, Fields Decisions

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be patient regarding the future of the team's quarterback position.

An opposing NFL executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic that the Steelers are content to let the season play out before making any hasty decisions on the future of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

"They took the last two quarterbacks available for $1 million apiece last offseason and were winning with Justin Fields, so they are not going to be strong-armed," the executive said.

Wilson has led the Steelers to a 5-1 record as a starter, and he appears to be headed towards an eventful free agency after signing a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Pittsburgh in March.

"If he goes to the playoffs and they win a playoff game and lose to the Chiefs in a close one, you are telling me he is not going to get Daniel Jones-type contract offers around the league?" the executive added, per Sando.

Jones, the former starting quarterback of the New York Giants and current Minnesota Vikings backup, signed a four-year extension worth $160 million with the Giants during the 2023 offseason.

While some front offices may be hesitant to hand Wilson a long-term deal at 36 years old, it's not hard to see why he'd generate interest in free agency. He's completed 65.8 percent of his throws for 1,626 yards and 10 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions.

Still, the Steelers were off to a 4-2 start before Wilson was active during the regular season. Fields, who is also slated to enter free agency in 2025, started the first six games of the year for Pittsburgh.

Head coach Mike Tomlin's stellar track record should also give the team confidence to remain competitive with or without Wilson, as he's now clinched a winning record in all 18 of his years with the organization.

The Steelers may target a reunion with the veteran as a free agent, but they're reportedly not going to be forced into making certain contract decisions at quarterback.