Cam Newton calls for Steelers to roll with Justin Fields over Russell Wilson as QB of the future

The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) have a big decision to make this offseason when it comes to the quarterback position. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are unrestricted free agents in 2025, meaning the Steelers currently have no quarterbacks rostered for next season.

But with the Steelers playoff bound in 2024 and a lack of viable options available in this year’s NFL Draft, it would make sense for Pittsburgh to bring back at least one of its current quarterbacks. If it were up to Cam Newton, he would turn the page on Wilson and bring back Fields, whom he believes has a high ceiling if given the opportunity.

“Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson. Can Justin Fields by his ceiling — has he shown it consistently? No,” Newton said Friday on First Take. “But can he give you what those guys can? Yes. Develop him… he has not gotten that opportunity.”

That’s quite the endorsement for Fields, who came over this past offseason via trade from the Chicago Bears (4-12). Wilson won the starting job over Fields following training camp and the preseason, but Fields started the first six games of the season as Wilson recovered from a calf injury.

Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record, throwing for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception on 65.8% passing. He rushed for 289 yards and five scores. The Steelers continued their winning ways with Wilson under center, going 6-1 over the next seven games. Pittsburgh, however, has dropped three games in a row. The Steelers have scored just 40 points during the three-game skid, Wilson throwing for 550 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions over that time.

Adam Schefter evaluates Steelers’ QB future amid three-game losing streak

Wilson has his faults, sure, but Adam Schefter of ESPN isn’t convinced Pittsburgh can find an upgrade this offseason.

“This is where they’re currently at,” Schefter said Thursday on Get Up. “You asked about the team’s situation in the future. They’d like to go ahead and keep Russell Wilson and re-sign him to keep him in Pittsburgh. But, even if they couldn’t, what do you want them to do with the quarterback position? Who’s going to be out there that’s an upgrade over Russell Wilson right now?”

“There are two logical first-round quarterbacks in the draft. They’re not going to get either one of those. The top free-agent quarterbacks are going to be Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson. Is there another quarterback in the trade market that all of a sudden is going to spring free? Probably not. So, this is where the Steelers are.”