Steelers Face Quarterback Dilemma as Key Players Approach Free Agency

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical decision at the quarterback position as Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen are set to become free agents after the 2024 season. The team currently has only one quarterback, Skylar Thompson, under contract for 2025, leaving the future of the position in uncertainty.

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently shared his strategy for addressing the team’s quarterback conundrum. “I think another thing that needs to be bounced around at the quarterback position is, do you give Russ, I would go to Russ and be like, hey, are you willing to take $20-25 million for a year or two?” Roethlisberger said. “If he says yes, then I would bring him back. If he says no, then I would go to Justin.”

Roethlisberger views both Wilson and Fields as bridge quarterbacks and suggested that the Steelers could turn to a veteran like Sam Darnold if neither Wilson nor Fields agrees to a reduced contract. “While you’re bridging and trying to find, while you’re still actively looking for a rookie quarterback or a young quarterback who would be your guy,” he explained. “If both those guys say no, I would try and find a way. Is there another guy available? A name that might need to get thrown around is Sam Darnold now.”

Roethlisberger also discussed the possibility of drafting a quarterback this year but cautioned that the Steelers would need to be prepared for growing pains. “If that’s the route they take this year, they would have to be okay with taking some lumps for a couple of years,” he said.

Fields, who started six games for the Steelers in 2024, showed flashes of potential, playing the best football of his career during that stretch. However, neither he nor Wilson did enough to solidify themselves as the long-term solution. Wilson, despite a strong finish to the season, may seek a multi-year deal for stability, which could complicate negotiations with the Steelers.

With a weak quarterback class in the upcoming draft, Pittsburgh may be more inclined to explore the veteran market rather than drafting a rookie to start in 2025. The team’s options remain open, but the path forward is far from clear as they aim to find a solution at the most critical position on the field.