Justin Fields Rumors: QB has 'Edge' Over Russell Wilson With Steelers Amid Jets Links

Justin Fields "has an edge over Russell Wilson" as the Pittsburgh Steelers evaluate their quarterback options this offseason, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"There is sentiment for Fields in the building, and both sides would be open to a return," Fowler reported Sunday. "The Steelers have at least another week to crystallize those plans, and they certainly haven't ruled out Wilson at this point."

Neither Fields nor Wilson is an optimal solution for Pittsburgh.

The team went 4-2 with Fields as the starter, but he wasn't exactly prolific during that run. He threw for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. The 25-year-old did make an added impact with his legs, though, with 231 rushing yards and five scores on the ground.

Wilson, meanwhile, faded as the season came to an end. He averaged 171.2 passing yards per game over the final five weeks, and his slide dovetailed with the Steelers' four-game losing streak before suffering a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round.

All things considered, Fields is probably the better bet for the Steelers in 2025. He's 11 years younger than Wilson and it's abundantly clear now that Russ is no longer a difference-maker under center. Fields at least still possesses some theoretical upside. Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield were 27 and 28 respectively when things finally clicked for them.

Pittsburgh might also need to be more aggressive with Fields because he could have a stronger market than Wilson. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in February the 2021 first-round pick will have multiple teams courting him. Fowler on Sunday cited the New York Jets as one such possibility.

Assuming one of Fields or Wilson sticks around in the Steel City, the more interesting storyline is whether head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan hedge their bets and use a draft pick on a quarterback to take over in 2026 or beyond.