Now that the Super Bowl trophy went to the Philadelphia Eagles, it is time to turn to a new league year. The NFL's "new year" is considered the start of free agency, which will happen on March 12. That is when free agents can officially sign with new teams, but they can start negotiating with other clubs during the start of the legal tampering period on March 10. The Steelers have their work cut out for them.
Most believe Pittsburgh will re-sign Russell Wilson or Justin Fields before they make it to the legal tampering portion of the offseason. If that's true, no one should expect many changes to happen to the starting quarterback conundrum. No matter what you think of Fields or Wilson, neither pose to be a franchise-level quarterback for the Steelers at this point in their careers.
With a weak free agent class at the position, the Steelers are in a tough spot. Here are the top projected free agent quarterback options in 2025.
Top target: Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
It appears cut and dry that the obvious choice to be the starting quarterback next year should be Fields. He held a record of 4-2 during his six games starting for the team last year and was a more dynamic athlete. Most fans want the former Ohio State Buckeye to become the full-time starter and hopefully blossom without his job in question.
To get this contract across the finish line, it will take two parties to tango. Fields could prefer to see what kind of market he has in free agency. He hasn't cashed in yet, and he could choose the highest bidder. Pittsburgh should want Fields back as their first choice in a weak offseason at the position. He would be a solid bridge option, at the least. Fields will probably dictate his return.
Second choice: Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Wilson will be their next choice if Fields leaves in free agency. Wilson has remained in contract talks since the season ended. They have held the same conversations with Fields and his reps. If Fields decides he could find a better home elsewhere, then Wilson could be the free agent Pittsburgh has to live with.
The projected contract Wilson could get paid is mind-boggling. If he gets that kind of a deal, then it better not be with the Steelers. Paying a 36-year-old quarterback nearly $39 million dollars on a two-year extension would be bold. Factor in that he regressed in only 11 starts this past season, and this potential contract could be a disaster. The Steelers might have no other choice if Fields departs.
READ MORE: Steelers 2025 QB options not named Justin Fields, Russell Wilson
Top external option: Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers isn't technically a free agent yet... but he could be soon.
Most fans are going to hate the idea of signing Rodgers. It makes sense to despise this thought as the future Hall of Famer has become a poster child for locker room distractions. He will be 41 for most of this upcoming season, which is almost unheard of in the NFL. No one knows if Rodgers will play this year or retire and move into a media role.
Adding someone like Rodgers isn't something new to Mike Tomlin. It might be a unique headcase for him to handle, but it's not something he is uncommon with. Despite his age and two forgettable years with the New York Jets, Rodgers could still boost the Steeler's unrealistic Super Bowl hopes. He can still sling the ball with accuracy, but his mental state within the game is where problems stem.
Last resort option: Daniel Jones, Minnesota Vikings
When all top options sign elsewhere, the Steelers better be in panic mode. Failing to sign Fields, Wilson, or Rodgers will make matters worse. Neither of those three are perfect additions to a team struggling to win a playoff game, but they are better than Daniel Jones. The sixth-year man out of Duke is coming off his most brutal season yet.
Getting cut during the campaign is debilitating, and Jones could struggle to find a competitive job. Pittsburgh could sign Jones as competition for a starting role. It could be similar to what Mitch Trubisky gave them during his short stint. Jones would be the last line of defense. He has mounds of starting experience and could play if all else fails.