NFL insider echoes theory about Steelers' Justin Fields, Russell Wilson plans

Somewhat surprisingly, whispers emerged during Super Bowl week claiming that current Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Justin Fields is in "pole position" to become the club's starter this spring, in part because Russell Wilson reportedly will have "a new start" elsewhere.

During a Friday appearance on FS1's "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" program, NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed she has been "hearing the same thing" regarding Pittsburgh's offseason plans. 

"Those conversations started to happen at the end of their season," Russini explained, as shared by Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "They decided, 'Alright, we're gonna probably most likely stick with Justin Fields here moving forward.'"

While Fields guided Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record to start this season, head coach Mike Tomlin went to Wilson in Week 7 after the veteran recovered from a lingering calf injury. Tomlin then stuck with Wilson over Fields through a five-game losing streak that ran from Week 14 through the wild-card round of the playoffs.  

Tomlin reportedly believes he can win games with Wilson, but numerous stories have suggested that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith favors Fields after the working relationship between Smith and Wilson allegedly became strained over the final month-and-a-half of the campaign. 

Meanwhile, Steelers/NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports said on Wednesday that she's heard from "coaches and general managers around the league" that there is "just not a market for" Wilson's services this winter. Both Wilson and Fields remain on track to reach free agency next month. 

"For Russell Wilson, I don't think it was the perfect fit," Russini said about a marriage that may already be over. "...I think Justin Fields is gonna be the one that they keep on this roster."

Tomlin clearly thought Wilson was the better option of the two signal-callers for over half of the 2024 season. If Fields enters training camp as Pittsburgh's QB1, it could be fascinating to learn whether Tomlin experienced a change of heart or if he was told that the club wanted to go with the younger of the two quarterbacks. 

In short, talk about Tomlin's status with the Steelers beyond 2025 could grow louder if Fields and not Wilson is given the keys to the offense this offseason.