Insiders address why Steelers' Justin Fields, Russell Wilson situation remains unsettled 

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly could make re-signing 2024 first-choice starting quarterback Russell Wilson a priority if they don't get something done with backup Justin Fields before the free-agent negotiating window opens this Monday. 

During a Thursday appearance on Nashville sports radio station 102.5 The Game, senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports explained why the Steelers and Fields hadn't yet come to terms on an agreement as of Friday morning. 

"They really want to get something done with Justin Fields that's like a moderate, short-term deal to give him a more realistic run at potentially being their starting quarterback," Robinson said about Pittsburgh, as shared by Jeremy Pike of Steelers Depot. "That might not get it done, though, because Fields is sitting there saying, 'I want a clear path to start. I don't want to be here and go through what I went through last year.' Which was Mike Tomlin deciding Russ is my guy and stubbornly sticking to that." 

It became clear as far back as last spring that Wilson was Tomlin's "guy," and the head coach turned to the veteran in Week 7 of the 2024 season after Wilson had recovered from a lingering calf injury even though Fields went 4-2 as a starter. 

Per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot, team reporter Mark Kaboly said during Thursday's edition of "The Pat McAfee Show" that Fields now is in "no hurry to" put pen to paper on a contract because he is a "hot commodity" and because so many other clubs are in the market for a free-agent quarterback.

Specifically, some have linked Fields with the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts. 

However, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is skeptical a different club will pay Fields like a 2025 Week 1 starter as soon as free agency officially begins this Wednesday. 

"Where is he gonna go where he's gonna be promised a [starting] job?" Fittipaldo asked about Fields during a Thursday conversation on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, according to Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "He might be promised a job and then whatever team makes that promise, they're probably gonna turn around and bring in a challenger for him, too."