Steelers Rumors: 'Optimism' Russell Wilson or Justin Fields Will Sign New Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the year with the aim of keeping Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback beyond 2024, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"Both needed to play well to earn another opportunity with the team, and both have," he said Sunday. "Sources say there was optimism before the season that the play on the field this season would lead the organization to committing to one of them for years to come."

Rapoport added that Wilson "appears to be the leading candidate."

There's no question Wilson has vindicated head coach Mike Tomlin for making a change at QB despite Fields guiding the team to a 4-2 start. He has thrown for 1,626 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions though six appearances.

The 36-year-old's revival could put Pittsburgh in a bit of a bind, though.

Over the Cap projects the franchise tag for a quarterback to be $41.3 million in 2025. That would be a sizable short-term investment in Wilson, whose performance level is an improvement from 2023 and 2024 but not where it was during his prime.

There's risk in letting the nine-time Pro Bowler become a free agent, though, since he's bound to have interested suitors. The Atlanta Falcons were willing to give Kirk Cousins $100 million guaranteed despite him being 35 and coming off a major Achilles injury.

The MMQB's Albert Breer posited the Steelers could let Wilson hit the market with a handshake agreement that they'd have the opportunity to match the best offer he gets.

When it comes to Fields, his future in the Steel City is probably contingent on whatever happens with Wilson. It's hard to see him sticking around to be the backup.

Breer used Sam Darnold as a comparison for the 2021 first-round pick, who could look to sign a one-year contract with a team that considers him to be a viable starting solution.

Maybe that winds up being the Steelers.