The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to seek a new quarterback this offseason, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will be unrestricted free agents, with neither having a standout 2024 season.
Wilson was the starting quarterback for most of the year, showing promise early on but faltering towards the end, particularly during a four-game losing streak that culminated in a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Fields began the season as the starter for the first six games while Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury, demonstrating some potential with ten touchdowns against two turnovers and a 4-2 record. However, he lost his spot when Wilson returned in Week 7.
If the Steelers look to the free agency quarterback market, Alan Saunders from Steelers Now suggests Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones as a possible candidate. At just 28, Jones has shown flashes of being a capable NFL quarterback despite struggling in a poor situation with the New York Giants due to a lack of a solid offensive line and receiving targets, which could make him more adaptable to Pittsburgh’s circumstances.
Saunders noted that Jones might require a skilled quarterback mentor to revive his career, an insight that’s likely why he joined Minnesota. After being waived by the Giants mid-season following ten underwhelming starts, he finished the year with the Vikings. While Jones had some success, including winning a playoff game in 2022 with New York, he is not a reliable starting quarterback and would represent a step down from Wilson and Fields.
Signing Jones would be a cost-effective move for depth, but general manager Omar Khan should not consider him as a starting option. Most of Jones’s career hasn’t demonstrated the competence needed for such a crucial role. If the Steelers aim to compete in the challenging AFC in 2025, they should limit their pursuit of Jones to a backup position on an inexpensive contract, as that’s where his value lies.
