Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has publicly expressed his desire to return to Western Pennsylvania on his second NFL contract.
However, Russell Wilson’s potential return looms over Fields’ free agency. There’s little reason for both to participate in Pittsburgh’s timeshare in 2025, and the chances to sign elsewhere as a starter are incredibly finite. If he’s going to make a jump to a full-time starting role, it will be in the coming months.
It’s just a matter of where.
Aaron Rodgers Vs Justin Fields
Aaron Rodgers Vs Justin Fields By Tony Fisher
One bold prediction from Pro Football Network says Fields will replace Aaron Rodgers and sign with the New York Jets.
“Nonetheless, Fields was effective as a starter for the Steelers in 2024 before being benched for Wilson after six games,” Ben Rolfe wrote. “Beyond the 4-2 record and 5-1 TD-INT ratio, Fields also averaged 0.04 EPA per dropback, which would have been inside the top 20 at the position if he had thrown enough passes to qualify for the leaderboard (200).
“Fields also had the highest completion percentage of his career (65.8%) and continues to be a red-zone weapon with his legs (five rushing TDs, all from the 7-yard line or closer). With the Jets likely moving on from Rodgers after the 41-year-old finished 21st in PFN’s QB+ rankings (72.1 grade), Fields could be a high-upside option for a roster that is otherwise veteran-laden and could be competitive in 2025.”
Fields showcased his competence and development in his hot start to the season. However, it wasn’t enough to earn the Steelers’ trust, even as Wilson struggled down the stretch.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up next to quarterback Russell Wilson (3).
If Pittsburgh decided to prioritize Wilson, landing in New York makes some amount of sense. With Rodgers hypothetically out of the picture, the Jets would need a similar floor-raising passer who could hold down the fort until a rookie quarterback enters the fray.
A Fields/Tyrod Taylor tandem offers athleticism and more out-of-structure play than Rodgers gave the Jets last year, albeit without the in-structure prowess Rodgers was supposed to provide.
With more talent than Pittsburgh’s surrounding cast, a short-term deal for Fields gives him the opportunity to start and a cleaner path to production, potentially parlaying itself into another, more lucrative contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson at M&T Bank Stadium on Jan. 11, 2025.
