Quarterback Justin Fields chose to avoid speaking with reporters on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dreaded clean-out day earlier this week, yet he did share 11 words with Yinzer Nation before what is likely to be another tumultuous 2025 offseason.
“A year rich in teachings and gifts.” “Grateful for every moment. 💫” Fields posted on Instagram on January 15, sharing numerous unforgettable pictures from his time as a Steeler.
It’s the kind of message you anticipate from the skilled 25-year-old who has shown to be both modest and unassuming.
The Steelers’ official Instagram account reacted to Fields’ post, albeit by sending just the handshake emoji two times — “🤝🤝.”
The upcoming months are poised to be especially significant for Fields. As free agency approaches, the ex-first-round selection will enter the open market for the first time in his career, unless Pittsburgh manages to finalize an extension prior to that.
Fields has shown a keen desire to come back, but he’s also indicated that he seeks a larger starting chance in 2025. In contrast to various reports, head coach Mike Tomlin did affirm that the Steelers view Fields as a starting option during his year-end press conference.
To complicate matters further, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is pursuing head coaching interviews, and Fields has expressed a desire to keep learning the same playbook next year — rather than having to restart from the beginning once more. This has caused some to think that Fields might follow Smith if he departs for a head coach position.
All of this, and we’re just approaching day five after the Steelers’ defeat in the Wild Card Round against the Baltimore Ravens.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers insider Gerry Dulac interacted with fans on January 15, and there was a specific inquiry about Fields.
“If Justin Fields is signed, what do you imagine the contract will entail?” The party involved inquired.
Dulac’s response was concisely hopeful.
“At this moment, I think Justin Fields will be given a new contract,” he stated. “However, I don’t believe it will be anything extreme.”
For context, a low-tier starting quarterback generally earns between $25 million annually (Geno Smith) and $37.5 million annually (Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr). In 2024, a premium backup vying for a starting position earned between $10 million annually (Sam Darnold) and $12.5 million annually (Gardner Minshew).
As usual, the value of Fields will be influenced by his market. The greater the number of suitors who view him as a starter, the more he will earn. Unless, of course, the Steelers manage to secure him prior to the beginning of free agency.
Dulac’s Insights on Steelers’ Backup QB Choices Besides Justin Fields & Russell Wilson
At this stage, a comeback with Fields and/or Russell Wilson seems to be the most probable scenario for the Steelers in 2025 — particularly if Smith comes back as the offensive coordinator.
It’s quite likely that the Steelers opt to re-sign one of the two, pairing them with a promising quarterback prospect in the draft. A player like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe would complement Fields nicely, as both excel when leveraging their mobility.
Dulac refrained from discussing draft theories but did provide insights on several veteran quarterback choices that may surface this spring. Here are his quick impressions on each:
“[Aaron] Rodgers won’t be arriving [in Pittsburgh].”
“Definitely not [Kirk] Cousins.”
And “Sam Darnold will not have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.”
When you take those responses into account, Dulac’s view of Fields could easily be seen as highly favorable.
