Insider predicts how Steelers could handle futures of Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

While the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both quarterbacks remain on track to reach free agency. The club continues its long-standing policy of not negotiating deals with players during seasons.

On Wednesday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated addressed how the Steelers could approach the uncertain futures of the two signal-callers.

"I don’t think he’s been good enough to justify a franchise tag of between $40M and $45M," Breer wrote. "...My guess would be in the case of Wilson, if he plays well and Pittsburgh makes a nice playoff run, then there may be enough of a divide in a negotiation that the Steelers could let him hit the market and ask him to give them the right to match whatever is out there. Meanwhile, I’d think Fields would be looking for a Sam Darnold type of shot to start somewhere on a one-year deal." 

Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a one-year contract reportedly worth $10M early into the offseason. He officially became Minnesota's starter until further notice after rookie J.J. McCarthy underwent a complete meniscus repair during the preseason. 

The Steelers signed Wilson to a team-friendly contract this past March before the club acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick. Fields guided Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record as Wilson recovered from his setback, but Wilson has since won five of six starts and has established himself as the undisputed leader of the team's offense. 

Earlier this week, it was suggested that Pittsburgh could offer Wilson a deal similar to the three-year, $100M contract with a maximum value of $115M that Baker Mayfield received from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March. However, Wilson could increase the value of his next agreement with each win he tallies through January (and possibly February).

Breer repeatedly mentioned throughout the season's first month and a half that Pittsburgh's "locker room and much of the staff [was] behind Fields" at that time. Breer also pointed out that head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith "believe Fields has a bright future and want to keep working with him."

In short, it sounds like the Steelers' quarterback situation could once again be a fascinating storyline whenever the franchise's next offseason begins.