Insider suggests Steelers have preference regarding Justin Fields, Russell Wilson conundrum

Shortly after Pittsburgh Steelers team owner and president Art Rooney II revealed in late January that bringing either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson back to enter springtime workouts as the club's unofficial starting quarterback is "a priority," rumblings emerged suggesting that at least some within the Steelers prefer to re-sign Fields over Wilson. 

During a weekend appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" indicated that Fields is Pittsburgh's "plan A" regarding the club's quarterback situation. 

"The Steelers will have a number, and if it pretty much exceeds that, they'll move on to 'plan B,'" Kaboly said about how far Pittsburgh may go to stop Fields from reaching free agency, as shared by Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "And I still think Russell Wilson's a solid 'plan B.'"

Kaboly did add that the Steelers "might have to overpay a little bit early" to keep Fields from becoming a free agent when the new league year starts on March 12. 

Fields guided the 2024 Steelers to a 4-2 record as Wilson missed the first six weeks of the season with a lingering calf problem. However, head coach Mike Tomlin turned to Wilson in Week 7 and continued to trust the veteran through a losing streak that ran from Week 15 through a wild-card defeat at the rival Baltimore Ravens. 

The perception exists that Tomlin is a Wilson supporter but could let offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have the final say on which signal-caller to bring back. Smith's working relationship with Wilson allegedly experienced issues as the club dropped five straight games, and Kaboly hinted the Steelers now have Fields penciled in on their depth chart for 2025. 

"I think that's what they would want," Kaboly said about Pittsburgh possibly re-signing Fields, "but I don't think they're gonna overpay him."

It's unclear if Fields would either give the Steelers somewhat of a discount in negotiations or let Pittsburgh match an offer he receives from a different team in free agency. 

While some have recently linked the Steelers with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said on an episode of the "Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard" podcast last week that the Rams' "first priority" and "interest" is signing Stafford to an extension this offseason. 

"And I think Matthew would like to be back in L.A.," Schefter added at that time. 

The Steelers seemingly want it known they won't pursue Aaron Rodgers once he and the New York Jets officially part ways. With that said, Pittsburgh may have to make not testing the open market worth it to Fields if the club is serious about retaining his rights for at least one more season.