NFL Rumors: Steelers 'Leaning' Justin Fields over Russell Wilson amid Jets Buzz

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the switch from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson during the 2024 season when the latter was healthy enough to play, but they reportedly prefer the former to return as both get set to enter free agency this offseason.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler discussed the situation during a Sunday appearance on SportsCenter and said the Steelers are "leaning" toward Fields as they decide which quarterback, if any, to potentially bring back for 2025.

"So, Justin Fields, it looks like he's going to go into the open market on Monday, into the tampering period," Fowler said. "I'm told he wants to hear what other teams have to say. He has had open dialogue with the Pittsburgh Steelers who have interest in bringing him back. The Steelers are in a really interesting spot right now because they have Fields, they have Russell Wilson, two free agents. They value them; both played for them last year. 

"They're kind of going into the next few days thinking one of them could be their quarterback. They don't quite know yet because Fields is going to have some interest. They've been leaning Fields, so, I still think he and Pittsburgh will work something out, but you got the New York Jets have some interest. There could be a few others. There's about seven teams that in this musical chairs need a quarterback to sit down in their chair, Fields will get one of those seats for sure."

Pittsburgh may have some serious competition from the Jets, though, as Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported Friday the AFC East team is "high" on the Ohio State product.

That would mean Fields reuniting with college teammate Garrett Wilson in the passing game, and Schultz also noted they "love his athleticism, leadership traits, ability to move the pocket and maybe most importantly, believe his best football is ahead of him."

That teams would be more intrigued by Fields' upside at 26 years old compared to Wilson at 36 years old isn't surprising, especially since the latter hasn't looked like the peak version of himself from the Seattle Seahawks in recent years.

Fields also offers far more mobility and played fairly well in his limited time last season while going 4-2 as a starter and completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. He also added 289 yards and five scores on the ground as a runner.

He isn't far removed from the 2022 season when he ran for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns with the Chicago Bears. Athleticism and ability to make big plays with his legs has never been the question with Fields, so it will likely come down to whether teams believe in the consistency he can bring as a thrower.

And it seems like the Steelers believe in him enough to prefer him over Wilson.