Steelers Rumors: “Optimism” Russell Wilson or Justin Fields Will Sign New Contract | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Pittsburgh Steelers opened the year with the goal of keeping Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback beyond 2024.

“Both had to play well to secure another chance with the team and they both did that,” he said on Sunday. “According to sources, there was optimism before the season that on-field performance this season would lead the organization to commit to one of them for years to come.”

Rapoport added that Wilson “seems to be the leading candidate.”

There’s no question that Wilson has credited head coach Mike Tomlin for making a change at QB despite Fields leading the team to a 4-2 start. He has thrown for 1,626 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in six appearances.

However, reviving the 36-year-old could put Pittsburgh in a bit of a bind.

Over the Cap predicts the franchise mark for a quarterback in 2025 will be $41.3 million. That would be a significant short-term investment in Wilson, whose performance level is an improvement over 2023 and 2024 but not at the level of his prime.

However, there is risk in letting the nine-time Pro Bowler become a free agent as he will certainly have interested suitors. The Atlanta Falcons were willing to guarantee Kirk Cousins ​​$100 million even though he was 35 years old and recovering from a serious Achilles tendon injury.

Albert Breer of the MMQB posited that the Steelers could let Wilson hit the market with a handshake, giving them the opportunity to get the best offer he gets.

When it comes to Fields, his future in the Steel City likely depends on what happens with Wilson. It’s hard to imagine him sticking around as a replacement.

Breer used Sam Darnold as a comparison for the 2021 first-round pick, who could look to sign a one-year deal with a team that considers him a viable starting option.

Maybe it will be the Steelers in the end.