The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season has been a tale of two halves, defined by shifting quarterback dynamics and inconsistent play on both sides of the ball. After a promising 4-2 start with Justin Fields under center, head coach Mike Tomlin made the controversial and bold decision to switch to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in Week 7.
The move, intended to spark the offense, eventually had the opposite effect, leading to a four-game skid at the end of the regular season and an unexpected stumble into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.
Instead of gaining momentum in the season’s final weeks, Pittsburgh reverted to “September ball,” leading to questions about its quarterback situation and offensive identity. It’s not the noise a suspect playoff team wants to hear heading into Wild Card Weekend on the road against a red-hot Baltimore Ravens team.
Analyst Calls For Mike Tomlin To Start Justin Fields in Playoffs vs. Ravens
The team’s regression has caused many, including three-time Super Bowl champion and Fox Sports analyst Mark Schlereth, to call for Tomlin to make another bold move: Start Fields in the playoffs.
“I think if you’re going to put it out there and you’re going to beat the Baltimore Ravens, I think the best option is Justin Fields,” Schlereth said on FS1’s “Breakfast Ball.” “You can operate your offense differently, just making him more of a running back than a quarterback.”
It’s not a leap, considering where the Steelers started versus where they are today.
.@markschlereth says Justin Fields would be the “best option” for the Steelers as QB1 vs. the Ravens 💪 pic.twitter.com/9cHk1Pbe7D
— Breakfast Ball (@BrkfstBallOnFS1) January 7, 2025
Quarterback Woes: Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields
While his start in the Black and Gold gave Steelers Nation hope, Wilson has struggled to consistently command the offense in recent weeks, prompting calls for Fields.
The veteran appeared rejuvenated in Weeks 7 through 14, producing 1,784 yards and 12 touchdowns (three interceptions) with a 64.2% completion average. But when faced with three playoff teams and the resurgent Cincinnati Bengals to close out the season, Wilson fell off a cliff — and the offense right along with it.
Per PFN’s QB+ metric, Wilson (75.7, C) slid below Fields (78.1, C+) in the final QB rankings of the 2024 regular season.
“Wilson has been fine since taking over as the starter, but he hasn’t elevated Pittsburgh over what Fields provided or proven to be any ‘safer,’ Ben Rolfe wrote. “He finishes the year with a -0.00 EPA/DB (23rd) and ranks outside the top 20 both from a clean pocket (0.23 EPA/DB) and when pressured (-0.38 EPA/DB).”
Rolfe observed what Steelers Nation has suffered: Wilson has struggled to close out games in the fourth quarter (28th) and has a 38.8% conversion rate on third down (17th).
Although a limited 161 passes technically disqualifies him from a QB+ grade, Fields was left in PFN’s final rankings with the debate over who should start in the playoffs.
Fields offers something that Wilson, 36, simply cannot anymore: Extend plays with his legs, keeping defenses guessing. With that dual-threat capability, a top defense, and one of the best kickers in the NFL, Pittsburgh had an identity and started the season an unexpected 4-2.
Wilson, Fields Contract Decisions Loom in 2025 Offseason
The Steelers brass face a pivotal decision this offseason: Re-sign Wilson, double down on Fields, or trade for a veteran?
Both are playing on expiring contracts signed last spring. The choice between proven reliability and youthful upside looms as the franchise plots its future.
Another option is to trade for a younger but seasoned vet, but the cost — likely high draft picks or key players — could shape Pittsburgh’s roster for years and define its competitiveness and identity in the NFL’s stacked AFC.