In late January, Pittsburgh Steelers team president Art Rooney II publicly stated that the team’s quarterback decision for the upcoming season would be between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. However, as time passed, circumstances changed dramatically. Fields ultimately signed with the New York Jets, while Pittsburgh has shown minimal interest in retaining Wilson for the 2025 season. This unexpected shift has left many Steelers media figures puzzled, questioning what transpired within the organization to cause such a change in direction.
The sudden change in the Steelers’ quarterback plans has led to speculation about whether Rooney’s initial statement was simply diplomatic or if significant discussions took place within the organization that altered the course of their decision-making. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently addressed the topic on “The Pomp and Joe Show,” offering insight into what may have unfolded behind the scenes. According to Fittipaldo, this wasn’t merely a matter of shifting opinions; rather, something internal influenced the team’s change in approach.
Fittipaldo theorized that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and head coach Mike Tomlin likely had serious discussions regarding the quarterback situation. Initially, Tomlin seemed to be a strong proponent of Wilson’s return, with reports suggesting he spearheaded efforts to bring him back. However, Smith appeared to be less enthusiastic about Wilson as the Steelers’ best option for 2025.
Fittipaldo pointed to the period between late January and the start of the legal tampering phase as the key timeframe when the organization’s stance evolved. One known factor is the reported friction between Wilson and Smith during the previous season. While Fittipaldo couldn’t confirm specifics, he noted that it was widely acknowledged that the two had difficulty working together. This tension may have prompted Tomlin to reevaluate his stance and engage in crucial discussions regarding the team’s quarterback strategy.
It appears that, out of respect for Smith’s perspective, the Steelers gradually moved away from the idea of bringing Wilson back. Fittipaldo elaborated on this, suggesting that while Wilson and Smith managed to navigate their issues throughout the season, lingering concerns persisted. This raises the question of whether Smith directly approached Tomlin to express doubts about Wilson’s ability to lead the team effectively moving forward.
Tomlin has a reputation for being steadfast in his decisions, with some Steelers fans viewing him as resistant to change. Others, however, trust his leadership and believe he makes choices in the best interest of the team. Regardless, it became increasingly evident that Wilson’s return was becoming less likely as the offseason progressed. This aligns with Fittipaldo’s assertion that a fundamental shift occurred within the organization following Rooney’s initial comments.
Now, the Steelers are facing a significant challenge at the quarterback position. Currently, they lack a clear starting option on their roster. While the team has brought back Mason Rudolph after his stint with the Tennessee Titans, there is widespread skepticism regarding his capability to take on the starting role. In the weeks following Rooney’s statement, the Steelers’ focus began to shift toward other quarterback possibilities, including trade inquiries for Matthew Stafford, interest in free agent Sam Darnold, and even discussions surrounding Aaron Rodgers. These new targets emerged just two months after Rooney publicly stated the decision was between Wilson and Fields.
This shift in approach suggests that a serious conversation took place between Tomlin, Smith, and other key decision-makers in the organization. They may have collectively determined that bringing Wilson back posed too great a risk in terms of team stability and performance. With the Steelers’ playoff aspirations in mind, they opted to seek a quarterback they perceived as a more reliable choice for the 2025 season. Rodgers, in particular, has emerged as a prime target in their search for a dependable leader under center.
Meanwhile, Wilson is exploring his options for 2025. The veteran quarterback, who has thrown for 46,135 yards with 350 touchdowns and 111 interceptions in his career, recently posted on X: “Always Fun Ballin’! More to do!” signaling his determination to continue playing. However, his return to Pittsburgh remains uncertain, particularly with reports that his relationship with Tomlin may have deteriorated.
A longtime league executive noted that Wilson’s rapport with Tomlin isn’t what it once was, stating, “I don’t believe it’s where it was before the season, or even early December, when Russ was still playing good football.” This contradicts Wilson’s previous statements in which he described Tomlin as supportive and inspiring.
If Rodgers ultimately lands with another team, such as the Minnesota Vikings, Wilson could re-enter the conversation for Pittsburgh. However, his performance over the last four seasons—where he has a 23-32 record—raises questions about whether he is still capable of leading a team deep into the postseason.
Despite these uncertainties, the Steelers still find themselves in a precarious position at quarterback. Although Rudolph offers familiarity, confidence in his ability to lead the team is low. The team’s pursuit of quarterbacks like Stafford, Darnold, and Rodgers underscores the urgency of the situation. However, Stafford remained with his current team, and Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks, further limiting Pittsburgh’s options.
With the quarterback market narrowing, Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office are under increasing pressure to find a viable solution. The decisions they make in the coming weeks will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s prospects for the 2025 season and beyond. Steelers fans are anxiously monitoring the situation, hoping the team can secure a quarterback who will guide them back into playoff contention.
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