Justin Fields remains Steelers' most logical option at QB for 2025 

The Steelers urgently need a quarterback upgrade to break free from the ongoing slump that has plagued one of the NFL's most prestigious franchises for years. They will never be a serious contender again until they find more stability at quarterback.  

With each passing day, it becomes clearer what the Steelers should do: bring back Justin Fields, who is set to officially become a free agent on March 12.

Once Matthew Stafford decided to return to Los Angeles, teams like the Steelers had to turn to their "Plan B" in search of a new quarterback. Stafford could've been a difference maker, but who else still has that ability on the open market? 

Aaron Rodgers, who will be 42 when the 2025 season kicks off, doesn't anymore. Sam Darnold, 27, is just hitting his prime, but he won't come cheap. Signing Rodgers will do nothing but kick the can down the road, likely for just one year. 

There's a massive risk associated with investing in Darnold. Will he perform like he did in 2024? Only time will tell, but losing on that gamble could set Pittsburgh back years. 

Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins is another established name who most believe will be on a new team after being benched for poor play last season. However, the Falcons appear to be playing hardball with him, and there are questions about how much he has left in the tank. 

If none of the aforementioned options make sense, the Steelers must bring back one of their incumbent quarterbacks. In any debate between Fields and Russell Wilson, only one could help the franchise's present and future. 

While Wilson, 36, played admirably at times, he didn't do enough to elevate the Steelers to a true contender. Pittsburgh's offense failed to reach 20 points across Wilson's final five games between the regular season and playoffs combined. 

In Wilson's defense, the Steelers did go 6-5 with him under center — he threw for 2,482 yards and scored 18 total touchdowns with just five interceptions. 

Trying Wilson once may have made sense, especially with Denver paying most of his salary. He proved he could be better than he was with the Broncos, but he's nearing the end of his career and will not dramatically improve in his late 30s. 

Again, that leaves Fields as the only low-risk, high-reward option left. 

Steelers fans only saw Fields as their starter briefly early in the season when Wilson was injured. He played relatively well, completing 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns and one pick in six starts, leading the team to a 4-2 record. 

Fields turned 26 on March 5 and could have untapped potential as a former first-round pick, providing the Steelers with some clarity beyond 2025. 

There are two possible scenarios if Fields returns to Pittsburgh: He will either prove he can be a franchise player or demonstrate why the Bears gave up on him. 

If the former occurs, the Steelers finally have their quarterback of the future. And if that latter happens, they can cut bait and look to a deeper 2026 draft class.