BREAKING NEWS: “Russell Wilson or Justin Fields?” Steelers GM Omar Khan Reveals His Ultimate Decision on the Team’s Quarterback for 2025
In a bold and decisive move, Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has made it clear that the future of the team’s quarterback position will revolve around Justin Fields, not Russell Wilson. The highly anticipated announcement ends weeks of speculation surrounding the Steelers’ quarterback situation for the 2025 season and signals a new chapter for the franchise.
After months of evaluating options and considering the long-term viability of the team, Khan confirmed that Fields would officially take the reins as QB1 for the 2025 season. The Steelers, who have been searching for a stable quarterback ever since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, have now found a direction they believe will guide them back to championship contention.
Russell Wilson, the 34-year-old veteran who spent the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos, was considered one of the top options for Pittsburgh, especially after the struggles of the team’s quarterbacks in recent years. Wilson, a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, was brought in with the expectation that his experience and leadership would help guide a team in transition. However, after a series of inconsistent performances in 2023 and 2024, Khan and the Steelers’ front office began to question whether Wilson was still the answer.
Despite his undeniable talent and past success, Wilson’s performance in Pittsburgh’s system didn’t yield the results the Steelers were hoping for. Wilson posted an average of 3,600 passing yards and 24 touchdowns over the two seasons but also had a high turnover rate and struggled to keep the offense on track in crucial moments. Given his age and the declining production, the Steelers felt it was time to pivot.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations about what’s best for this team moving forward,” Khan said in a statement following the decision. “We have a lot of respect for Russell Wilson, his career, and his leadership. However, after assessing our options, we feel that the best move for the future of the Steelers is to build around Justin Fields and his unique skill set.”
To make this move a reality, the Steelers are actively looking to trade Wilson to a team that could utilize his abilities more effectively. The franchise is reportedly exploring multiple options with suitors who are in need of a proven veteran quarterback, and a deal could be finalized soon. The Steelers plan to use the assets gained from Wilson’s departure to explore other avenues, whether that means improving their offensive line, adding depth at wide receiver, or acquiring another veteran playmaker who can contribute in the 2025 season.
The focus now shifts entirely to Justin Fields, who has quickly gained a reputation for his dynamic athleticism and playmaking ability. Fields, who was acquired in a trade from the Chicago Bears in the 2024 offseason, has shown flashes of brilliance despite being surrounded by an often subpar supporting cast in Chicago. His ability to extend plays with his legs, along with his improving arm strength and accuracy, made him an attractive option for the Steelers.
Fields’ performance in the latter half of the 2024 season was particularly impressive, as he demonstrated a rapid development of his decision-making skills and chemistry with his receivers. By the end of the year, Fields had accumulated over 3,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, while also rushing for 600 yards and 8 touchdowns. These numbers alone were enough to convince Khan and the Steelers’ coaching staff that Fields was ready to take on a larger role as the face of the franchise.
“The potential with Justin is immense,” Khan said. “We believe that with the right system and support, Justin can be a top-tier quarterback in this league. His leadership, ability to adapt, and overall skill set make him the ideal choice for us moving forward.”
One of the key factors in the Steelers’ decision was the fit between Fields and Pittsburgh’s offensive system. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the team has made significant strides in developing a more versatile, up-tempo offense. Fields’ mobility and playmaking ability align well with the Steelers’ vision for a faster-paced, more dynamic attack. The front office believes that Fields’ growth trajectory, combined with the team’s young, talented roster, will lead to sustained success.
With Fields now firmly established as the starter, the Steelers can look forward to building a team around him. The organization is committed to improving its offensive line, adding weapons on the outside, and enhancing its defensive depth. By trading Wilson, the Steelers are also freeing up valuable cap space, which could be used to sign high-impact free agents or negotiate long-term contracts with core players.
While the decision to part ways with Wilson may be seen as a gamble by some, Khan and the Steelers are confident that the future is bright under Fields. The Steelers are no strangers to taking risks in pursuit of greatness, and this move is no different. As the team enters the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Fields to see if he can live up to the high expectations placed on him.
In a statement, Khan concluded, “We believe in Justin’s potential and his ability to lead this team to the next level. This is his time, and we are excited for what the future holds for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
As the 2025 season approaches, Pittsburgh fans will eagerly await to see how Fields, now the clear-cut leader, handles the pressure of being the franchise quarterback.
