The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have a quarterback that is signed beyond the 2024 season outside of John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee is not guaranteed to make the roster and will likely not make the final roster, though he could stick around on the practice squad. However, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen will all become free agents next offseason unless they receive an extension. Could Pittsburgh try to get out in front of that?
Wilson seems unlikely as a veteran on a prove-it deal. Allen is the third-string quarterback. If anyone were to be extended, Fields could maybe be the one player that could receive a deal. Even if unlikely, could the Steelers decide to follow the Jordan Love model set out by the Green Bay Packers? Insider Mark Kaboly does not believe that is likely.
“The Packers gave Jordan Love $13.5M to keep him around another year, but they were more confident he was going to be their quarterback of the future than what the Steelers feel about Fields after 12 practices in shorts,” Kaboly said. “I don’t think the Steelers would touch that number, but they would have to entice him enough to make him want to sign.”
For Justin Fields, the Steelers would have to give him ample reason to re-sign before ever taking a snap. And Fields is not banking on sitting on the bench, even if it appears that Wilson is the front-runner for the job. But Fields should bet on himself to earn the job at some point in the season and be scheduled to hit the open market for a payday.
And by the way, Fields has talked, it seems like he believes he will earn the starting job at some point in the season. So, there is no question that Pittsburgh wants to see Fields reach the levels that could earn him a hefty payday, but it is doubtful they will bet on him to hit that level before the season by giving him a significant extension. Instead, they will likely play it out by ear.