A Season of Transition for the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded their 2024 season with a 10-7 record, placing them second in the competitive AFC North. Their campaign ended with a Wild Card round loss to the division-winning Baltimore Ravens, a familiar and formidable foe. The Steelers’ journey was marked by a unique quarterback situation, as they alternated between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson throughout the year. Fields started the first six games, compiling a 4-2 record, while Wilson took over for the remaining 11 games, finishing with a 6-5 record. Both quarterbacks are now entering free agency, and the upcoming offseason will likely see them donning new team colors.
Justin Fields: A Promising Young Talent
Fields, who turned 25 this year, has a storied college football career. He played for Georgia in 2018 and Ohio State from 2019 to 2020, earning All-Big Ten honors twice and All-American accolades in his first year with the Buckeyes. The Chicago Bears selected him with the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Fields initially began his rookie campaign as a backup but was thrust into the starting role after veteran quarterback Andy Dalton suffered an injury. His performance was immediately noticeable, showcasing a blend of arm strength and mobility that excited both fans and analysts.
Pittsburgh’s Trade and Rotation
The Steelers traded a conditional sixth-round pick to the Bears to acquire Fields, hoping to provide stability and a strong starting option. Fields was named the starter for the beginning of the 2024 season, but his tenure was brief. When Russell Wilson, who was dealing with an injury, was healthy enough to return, he reclaimed the starting position, pushing Fields back to the bench. Over the course of the season, Fields started six games and completed 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He also demonstrated his running ability, adding 289 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Fields’ dual-threat capabilities made him a dynamic addition to the Steelers’ offense.
Titans’ Potential Interest and Cap Space
On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport predicted that Fields could end up with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. Pro Football Focus values Fields at around $11 million annually, a reasonable price point for a quarterback with his potential. The Titans have over $50 million in cap space, making them well-positioned to sign a high-profile free agent. However, they also hold the top pick in this year’s draft, which could influence their decision. There is a possibility that they will fall in love with quarterback prospects like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders and use their top pick on one of them, potentially reducing their interest in Fields.
Steelers’ Options in Free Agency and Beyond
If the Steelers are unable to secure a top-tier quarterback in free agency, they have several other avenues to explore. A trade could be a viable option, especially with a player like Matthew Stafford, whose name has been floated in trade speculation. However, Steelers insider reports suggest that such a trade is unlikely. If all else fails, Fields could be a solid fallback option. He showed promising flashes during the 2024 season and could build on that in 2025. The Steelers have the resources and flexibility to pursue multiple options, ensuring they find the right fit to lead their offense into the future.
Key Free Agents and Potential Impacts
The Steelers’ offseason will not be limited to the quarterback position. Key free agents like Najee Harris, who is predicted to leave for a Super Bowl contender with a $450 million quarterback, and Donte Jackson, a cornerback who could fetch around $58 million, are crucial to the team’s defensive and offensive strategies. Harris, a dynamic running back, has been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offense, and his departure would leave a significant void. Jackson’s potential replacement could help bolster a defense that needs to improve to compete in the AFC North. The Steelers must navigate these free agency decisions carefully to ensure they maintain a competitive roster.
Looking Forward to 2025
As the Steelers head into the 2025 campaign, the decisions they make in free agency and the draft will be pivotal. Retaining or replacing key players, particularly at the quarterback position, will be crucial for their success. The team’s depth and flexibility in exploring trades, free agency, and the draft provide them with multiple pathways to strengthen their roster. Whether Fields returns or a new quarterback steps in, the Steelers have the potential to build a formidable team capable of competing at the highest level. The coming months will be critical as the Steelers shape their future and aim to return to the playoffs with a strong, cohesive squad.
