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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin plants his flag when asked about Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 7:19 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers only have one QB on their roster for 2025, and it came via a surprise signing on Tuesday.

But as to who will actually be the starter next season, that door is wide open.

Or, at least it was prior to some comments from Coach Tomlin during his end-of-year address on Tuesday....

Mike Tomlin Can See Justin Fields Starting in 2025

"I thought that the way that he managed his professional circumstances was really impressive," said Tomlin when asked if Fields could be a 17 game starter and have pole position heading into 2025. "I thought he brought an urgency to his day-to-day work, regardless of his role. I thought he got continually better within our system of ball. Throughout the process, I thought the way he conducted himself, makes that a legitimate thought or idea at this juncture."

I’m shocked how blunt Tomlin was about Justin Fields being in the pole position to being a starter for the Steelers in 2025. Let’s see what happens. #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) January 14, 2025

Coach Tomlin's comments and overall posture about the QB position blended closer to a variety of options than a return for Russell Wilson. Not only did he fawn over Fields, but he mentioned the draft and free agency as other avenues for finding a QB, while saying that Russell Wilson's age as he heads into his 37th trip around the sun coming off five straight losses is being taken into consideration.

All of it aligns with what we learned recently from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated...

Wilson and Justin Fields are both free agents. Will either be back in Pittsburgh? There was frustration with Wilson down the stretch, so I’m not sure how far the Steelers will be willing to go to keep him. Meanwhile, the team would love to keep working with Fields, but it might not be as a starter. I’d heard before the playoff game Saturday that the playoffs would likely help set the course. Based on how the offense played …

Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated

There are already tons of names flying about as potential external candidates as well. Kyler Murray was named the odds-on favorite to be the team's 2025 QB a few weeks ago, there are veterans set to hit the market like Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins, and an old friend might be available via Aaron Rodgers.

Regardless of what the team and Mike Tomlin decide, it's going to be interesting to see what direction the team heads in 2025.