The Pittsburgh Steelers could land a Pro Bowl quarterback. Here’s what it might cost.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, and as the NFL offseason heats up, the organization is exploring every possible avenue to upgrade its most crucial position. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields available in free agency and speculation swirling about potential trade targets, the Steelers have some major decisions to make.
Steelers’ Quarterback Situation: An Open Race
Following the end of the 2024 season, Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is in flux. The team parted ways with Kenny Pickett after an inconsistent tenure, and while Mason Rudolph provided stability in relief, the franchise is seeking a long-term solution.
Russell Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, has been linked to the Steelers after his release from the Denver Broncos. Despite struggles in recent years, Wilson’s veteran leadership and playoff experience make him a compelling option for a team looking to return to championship contention. Meanwhile, Justin Fields, who has spent the past three seasons with the Chicago Bears, remains another intriguing candidate. At just 25 years old, Fields possesses elite athleticism and untapped potential, though questions remain about his consistency as a passer.
Potential Trade Targets: Is a Blockbuster Deal on the Table?
While signing Wilson or Fields in free agency would allow Pittsburgh to retain its draft capital, there are whispers that the Steelers could explore the trade market for a true franchise quarterback.
Recent reports suggested Pittsburgh inquired about Jacksonville Jaguars’ star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, though such a deal appears highly unlikely. Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has a no-trade clause, and Jacksonville remains committed to building around him. Additionally, the Jaguars are in the midst of front-office turnover, making any negotiations highly complicated.
Other potential trade candidates include Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, who has been the subject of trade rumors, and Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins, though the latter is expected to sign a new deal with Minnesota. Acquiring a quarterback via trade would likely cost Pittsburgh multiple first-round picks and possibly key players, making it a costly proposition.
The Financial Implications: How Much Will a Star QB Cost?
Regardless of whether the Steelers pursue a free-agent quarterback or execute a trade, financial considerations will play a significant role in their decision-making process.
If Pittsburgh signs Wilson, his contract could be relatively team-friendly, as the Broncos are still responsible for a significant portion of his guaranteed money. On the other hand, Fields could demand a multi-year contract in the range of $30 million per year, given his youth and upside.
Trading for a quarterback would present an even larger financial commitment. Murray, for example, is under contract through 2028 with an average annual salary exceeding $45 million. The Steelers would have to navigate cap space constraints carefully while ensuring they can continue to build a competitive roster around their new signal-caller.
What’s Next for the Steelers?
With the offseason in full swing, Pittsburgh’s front office is under pressure to make the right call. The Steelers have a strong defense and a talented core of skill-position players, but without stability at quarterback, their championship aspirations will remain out of reach.
As free agency and trade talks intensify, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh’s next move. Will they go all-in on a proven veteran? Take a chance on a young star? Or will they shock the NFL world with a blockbuster trade? One thing is certain: whatever decision they make will shape the future of the franchise for years to come.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, and as the NFL offseason heats up, the organization is exploring every possible avenue to upgrade its most crucial position. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields available in free agency and speculation swirling about potential trade targets, the Steelers have some major decisions to make.
Steelers’ Quarterback Situation: An Open Race
Following the end of the 2024 season, Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is in flux. The team parted ways with Kenny Pickett after an inconsistent tenure, and while Mason Rudolph provided stability in relief, the franchise is seeking a long-term solution.
Russell Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, has been linked to the Steelers after his release from the Denver Broncos. Despite struggles in recent years, Wilson’s veteran leadership and playoff experience make him a compelling option for a team looking to return to championship contention. Meanwhile, Justin Fields, who has spent the past three seasons with the Chicago Bears, remains another intriguing candidate. At just 25 years old, Fields possesses elite athleticism and untapped potential, though questions remain about his consistency as a passer.
Potential Trade Targets: Is a Blockbuster Deal on the Table?
While signing Wilson or Fields in free agency would allow Pittsburgh to retain its draft capital, there are whispers that the Steelers could explore the trade market for a true franchise quarterback.
Recent reports suggested Pittsburgh inquired about Jacksonville Jaguars’ star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, though such a deal appears highly unlikely. Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has a no-trade clause, and Jacksonville remains committed to building around him. Additionally, the Jaguars are in the midst of front-office turnover, making any negotiations highly complicated.
Other potential trade candidates include Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, who has been the subject of trade rumors, and Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins, though the latter is expected to sign a new deal with Minnesota. Acquiring a quarterback via trade would likely cost Pittsburgh multiple first-round picks and possibly key players, making it a costly proposition.
The Financial Implications: How Much Will a Star QB Cost?
Regardless of whether the Steelers pursue a free-agent quarterback or execute a trade, financial considerations will play a significant role in their decision-making process.
If Pittsburgh signs Wilson, his contract could be relatively team-friendly, as the Broncos are still responsible for a significant portion of his guaranteed money. On the other hand, Fields could demand a multi-year contract in the range of $30 million per year, given his youth and upside.
Trading for a quarterback would present an even larger financial commitment. Murray, for example, is under contract through 2028 with an average annual salary exceeding $45 million. The Steelers would have to navigate cap space constraints carefully while ensuring they can continue to build a competitive roster around their new signal-caller.
What’s Next for the Steelers?
With the offseason in full swing, Pittsburgh’s front office is under pressure to make the right call. The Steelers have a strong defense and a talented core of skill-position players, but without stability at quarterback, their championship aspirations will remain out of reach.
As free agency and trade talks intensify, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh’s next move. Will they go all-in on a proven veteran? Take a chance on a young star? Or will they shock the NFL world with a blockbuster trade? One thing is certain: whatever decision they make will shape the future of the franchise for years to come.