PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II is clear on one thing heading into the offseason: securing a quarterback is the team’s top priority. However, with uncertainty surrounding the future of both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, Rooney acknowledged that it’s unlikely the team will retain both quarterbacks in 2025.
Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason, and Fields, acquired from the Chicago Bears shortly after Wilson’s signing, have both had their moments in the spotlight this season. Fields helped lead the team to a solid 4-2 start, while Wilson finished the season with a respectable 6-2 record after taking over as the starter in Week 7. However, his late-season struggles, including a five-game losing streak capped off by a Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, have raised questions about his long-term viability in Pittsburgh.
“We’re in a position where we have to make some decisions, and so do they,” Rooney said, emphasizing that while both quarterbacks have shown flashes of potential, the team will be looking to settle on one as their starter. He admitted that while the door isn’t entirely closed on keeping both players, it’s “probably unlikely” that both return, especially considering their desire to be full-time starters.
Rooney’s preference is clear: he wants to sign one of the two quarterbacks to a more stable, long-term deal. While the team may still consider draft options, Rooney expressed a strong preference for moving away from short-term fixes in the QB room. “I think my preference would probably be to have something more than a one-year deal in place next time around,” he said. The Steelers are also keeping Wilson’s age in mind—36 years old—versus Fields, who is a decade younger. The long-term view could weigh heavily in their decision-making process.
Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, Rooney reaffirmed his support for head coach Mike Tomlin. While the Steelers’ five-game losing streak to end the season raised questions about Tomlin’s ability to lead the team to the playoffs, Rooney defended his coach, stating, “You don’t win that many games in this league if you’re not a good coach.” Despite the team’s continued struggles in the postseason, including no playoff wins since 2016, Rooney emphasized that Tomlin’s leadership remains a crucial asset. “The players still want to play for Mike,” Rooney said, brushing off concerns about Tomlin’s message or his effectiveness as the team’s leader.
Still, fan frustration is mounting, and Rooney has felt the heat. “My inbox has been pretty full lately,” he joked, acknowledging the growing discontent over the Steelers’ lack of playoff success. “I understand why people are mad. All I can say is actions speak louder than words, and we’ve got to be better.”
As the Steelers prepare for a pivotal offseason, the decision on who will lead the team at quarterback looms large. With a coaching staff in place but roster questions to resolve, the franchise faces an offseason that could redefine its future.