Russell Wilson expressed his strong desire to re-sign as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. The sole concern — it’s starting to seem more probable that the Steelers have moved on to Justin Fields.
“Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are both free agents, and it seems very improbable that they will both be re-signed,” Dulac started.
Continuing: “When Wilson and the Steelers reached a one-year, veteran minimum contract in March, it was agreed upon with the intention from both parties to negotiate a longer agreement following the season. However, given the season concluded with five straight defeats and a disconnect with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, that agreement may not happen.
“Dulac recalled that Wilson was brought in to halt the playoff victory drought, but that didn’t occur.” He further stated that “recruiting another experienced quarterback isn’t logical.”
“That’s the reason Fields will probably be offered the position,” the seasoned journalist finished. “At just 25, he demonstrated significant growth during his time in Chicago.”
What Will Happen to Russell Wilson If Steelers Don’t Sign Him in Free Agency?
Wilson publicly expressed his desire to continue playing for a few more seasons, provided his body permits it. He recently reached 36 in November, so in another four years, he would be 40, provided there are interested parties seeking his skills.
Even if the Steelers decide against Wilson in 2025, he ought to secure a position elsewhere.
There is a shortage of starting quarterbacks in the NFL currently, as an increasing number of veterans from the recent golden era are retiring and many rookies are struggling to progress. Wilson — despite his shortcomings — still offers a team a better opportunity to succeed than players such as Will Levis, Drew Lock, or Aidan O’Connell, and this is before accounting for the annual influx of injuries at that position.
For Wilson’s benefit, it is also advantageous that this draft is viewed as a particularly weak and uncertain class of quarterbacks.
Even if a team such as the Tennessee Titans drafts a QB with the first overall pick, there’s valid worry that the player might not be ready to start in Week 1. That’s the moment a player like Wilson might be needed.
It doesn’t necessarily need to involve the Titans, but there are plenty of uncertainties across the league at quarterback, which means Wilson should secure a position — at least for another year. If he does not make an impression in 2025, though, a more talented group of candidates might replace him in a secure starting position in 2026.
Steelers quarterback Justin Fields’ market value falls under $10 million.
Spotrac’s assessments of market value are seldom precise, yet they provide a reasonable measure of how a player’s performance is perceived financially.
Currently, Spotrac estimates Fields’ market value to be only $8.9 million annually.
This doesn’t imply that Fields won’t earn a salary exceeding $10 million annually. Supply and demand frequently boost value, and as mentioned earlier, there is presently a need for quarterbacks throughout the league.
That being noted, it suggests that Fields might earn under $20 million annually by 2025 — which would increase his attractiveness for Pittsburgh.
Fields is already familiar with Smith’s system, he has demonstrated the ability to win games with a solid Steelers defense, and he won’t cause financial strain. He has the capability to grow, and he has shown a keen desire to come back.
As Dulac hinted — linking Fields and the Steelers in 2025, it all appears to align perfectly. It goes without saying that this is not a favorable development for Wilson.