Mike Tomlin addresses Steelers QB plans for 2025, future of Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing back Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields, or perhaps both in 2025.

At the same time, Tomlin hasn’t ruled out letting both go elsewhere and revamping the quarterback room this offseason. It’s one of many “unanswered questions,” Tomlin said at his end-of-year presser on Tuesday.

“Obviously, we don’t have a quarterback under contract, and so we got some major discussions there,” Tomlin said. “It was a really good experience with the three quarterbacks that were on our roster this year, individually and collectively. We are certainly open to considering those guys, but there’s a lot of work ahead of us, and the major work obviously, starts first and foremost with just understanding what our options are, what the field looks like in free agency, what the draft pool looks like, and then beginning the process in terms of decision-making based on known variables.”

Last offseason, the Steelers’ big question centered around who would be under center in 2024. Pittsburgh acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears and signed Wilson to a one-year deal following his release from the Denver Broncos.

Tomlin named Wilson the starter over Fields coming out of training camp and the preseason, but a calf injury forced him to miss the first six games of the season. Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record before making way for Wilson. The Steelers won six of Wilson’s first seven starts, at one point carrying a 10-3 record and occupying first place in a competitive AFC North.

Steelers offense struggles down the stretch

A four-game losing streak to end the regular season meant that Pittsburgh would have to play on the road as a Wild Card against the Baltimore Ravens, who captured the division crown for the second consecutive season. Pittsburgh dropped their sixth consecutive playoff game dating back to 2016 under Tomlin. The Wison-led offense was shutout in the first half, soundly defeated 28-14 by the Ravens. Wilson completed 20-of-29 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

There was a common theme throughout the five straight defeats: The Steelers struggled to put points on the board, failing to surpass more than 17 points. Wilson, 36, finished his 13th season in the NFL throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions on 63.7% passing. Fields, 25, passed for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception with a 65.8 completion percentage. He added five rushing scores.

While conversations with the Steelers about his future have yet to commence, Wilson said he would love to return next season.

“That’s the plan,” Wilson said Monday. “Obviously, I love it here and everything else. I think we have a great football team. Obviously, it didn’t end the way we wanted it to, and I think there’s a lot more to do.”