When the Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 offseason, they faced a reality where they would have to completely overhaul the quarterback position for the second year.
Both primary starters from 2024, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, were unrestricted free agents. It seemed likely that at least one would return, but we all know that didn't work out.
Fields ended up in New York as the Jets' next starting QB, and Wilson joined him in the Big Apple by joining the Giants. Losing Fields was especially disappointing, considering the Steelers can only blame themselves for benching him despite a 4-2 record as a starter in 2024.
The Jets will now have the opportunity to see if the former first-round pick can finally put it all together, and a recent hype video indicates that they are confident he can.
Jets' Justin Fields hype video shows what Pittsburgh Steelers' fans are missing
It's ironic that by the time they face off in Week 1 next season, the Steelers and Jets will have likely swapped their opening game starters from last season. Aaron Rodgers is still expected to sign with Pittsburgh at some point, and even at his age, he should be an upgrade in the passing game over Fields.
The Jets don't seem to care, however, as they are already showing off their new starter via a recent hype video.
Now, it has to be mentioned that there is a reason that both teams went in the direction they have. The Jets went nowhere with Rodgers in his only healthy season with the team, and that whole situation had clearly run its course.
Still, Steelers fans would be justified in being angry over how things have played out this offseason.
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Fields played his most efficient football with Pittsburgh, but the coaching staff never fully trusted him to be the guy. Both players needed a change of scenery if they wanted to thrive.
While I still believe that the Steelers would have been smart to bring Fields back if it were possible, all signs point to them targeting a new franchise QB in the 2026 draft. Running Rodgers or Mason Rudolph out there in 2025 and trying to remain competitive makes sense if that is the plan.
Fields has way more upside than either of their current options, but the Jets may be more willing to give him a real chance to be their starting QB.