In an ideal world, the Steelers would be able to find a way to keep both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for next season. That doesn't seem like a realistic possibility at the moment. Wilson is Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, and he is getting ready for a nice extension that should pay him handsomely. Fields, on the other hand, has been benched and has only appeared in a limited role.
Unless Fields has a poor market in free agency, everyone should predict him leaving when the market opens. He will have to see limited options to consider a return to the Steelers. He wants to be a starter, knowing that will not happen if he stays in Pittsburgh with Wilson in command. It will be a tough loss for a qualified backup, but there could be some interesting options available.
You never know what teams will do between now and when free agency starts. Plenty of rumors will be flying off the cuff during that time. Certain players could become cap casualties, while others could become available via trade. The Tennessee Titans have been abysmal this season, and they could be willing to trade their young quarterback with a canon of an arm.
Will Levis could be the Steelers top option to replace Justin Fields
He might not be in good graces around the NFL right now, but Will Levis could be an interesting option for the Steelers if Fields jumps ship. Levis is coming off a season where he was one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL. Things are toxic in his career at the moment, and he looks like a perfect option for a change of scenery. Pittsburgh could do something similar to last year.
Fields was seen as a turnover machine when he was dealt from Chicago to the Steelers. Some blamed the Bears for his failures, while others put most of the blame on Fields. Pittsburgh was wise in giving up little value to acquire him in a trade. He might not have taken the next step in his progression as a player, but Fields did a good job during his time in Pittsburgh.
Levis might not be as great of an athlete as Fields, but he still has the pedigree to him. He was a top choice during the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He will turn 26 years old at the end of June, so it is hard to tell how much he can develop his game from here. Most of his problems are mental, which most young quarterbacks are running into. He would be another project to work on.
One of the best things about Levis is that he has a strong arm, and he is hard to take down. His fit in Arthur Smith's offense would be good. The Titans seem eager to move on from Levis and Pittsburgh would be wise to make some trade inquiries. If Fields walks away, then adding someone like Levis would be wise. A young developmental quarterback with starting experience would be a nice backup.