Numerous reports surfaced from late January through the opening week of March indicating that the Pittsburgh Steelers prefer to re-sign backup quarterback Justin Fields over 2024 first-choice starter Russell Wilson. However, both remained on track to become eligible to speak with other teams when the free-agent negotiating window opens as of Thursday morning.
Per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot, team insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hinted during a Wednesday appearance on sports radio station 93.7 The Fan that the club could pivot from Fields to Wilson before the new league year begins March 12.
"I don't get the sense that anything is imminent, and I think agents use these deadlines like Monday as a negotiating ploy," Fittipaldo said about ongoing talks between the Steelers and Fields' camp. "I think more than likely if we see something get done, I think it'll be over the weekend. ...If it gets to Monday, I think Fields' agent is taking a real gamble if it gets to that point. I don't get the idea that the Steelers really want to sit around and wait and let this get to free agency."
Fittipaldo added that he believes "the Steelers will probably go in a different direction if they don't get Fields done by Monday, early Tuesday at the latest."
According to Jake Brockhoff of Steelers Depot, team/NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports said during a later appearance on 93.7 The Fan that "several general managers of quarterback-needy teams" revealed during the NFL Scouting Combine that Fields will be "in the mix for them" if he becomes available. Specifically, reports have linked Fields with the New York Jets, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts.
NFL reporter Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic mentioned that Fields could get "a one- or two-year prove-it type deal loaded with incentives" from a club such as the Jets. Per Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot, team insider Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" suggested during his Wednesday spot on 93.7 The Fan that Fields could look to bolster his value by staying unsigned through the start of free agency.
"It's all setting up towards Justin Fields...has all the power," Kaboly explained. "Pretty much anything he wants to do, he can do right now because [of] the lack of quarterback talent in the draft and in free agency."
What's additionally worrisome for the Steelers is there's no guarantee Wilson will happily accept being the club's "plan B" with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants reportedly interested in his services. Some continue to mention the Steelers as a possible landing spot for Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, but he theoretically could decide to retire.
For a piece published Thursday morning, The Athletic's Mike Jones predicted that the Steelers will soon work something out with Fields. It seems like the two sides won't come to such an agreement before this weekend arrives.
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