Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Prioritizes Signing Justin Fields or Russell Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II has made it clear: securing a quarterback is the team’s top priority this offseason, with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at the top of the list.
In a recent statement, Rooney emphasized his preference to sign one of the two quarterbacks, though he acknowledged it’s unlikely both will return. The Steelers face a pivotal decision as they aim to rebuild their quarterback room and address fan frustrations after a disappointing end to the 2024 season.
The Quarterback Dilemma: Fields or Wilson?
Rooney didn’t mince words when discussing the team’s quarterback situation. “They’re both capable quarterbacks, and my preference would be to sign one of them,” he said. “That’ll be the priority, and I think that will give us the best opportunity to move forward.”
However, Rooney hinted that bringing back both Fields and Wilson is improbable. “I wouldn’t close the door, but I’d say it’s probably unlikely,” he explained. “Both of them see themselves as starters, and I don’t know that they want to share the same job again next year.”
A Look Back at the 2024 Season
The Steelers’ quarterback carousel last season saw both Fields and Wilson take the helm at different points. Fields stepped in during Wilson’s six-game absence due to a calf injury, leading the team to a 4-2 start. Wilson reclaimed the starting role in Week 7, winning six of his first seven games before a five-game losing streak, including a wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, ended their season.
Rooney praised both quarterbacks for their contributions. “I thought both Russ and Justin showed promise in certain stretches during the season, and I think they’re both capable of being starters in this league,” he said.
Russell Wilson’s Desire to Stay in Pittsburgh
Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason, has expressed his desire to remain in Pittsburgh long-term. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Wilson said, “My goal is to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a long time, hopefully finish my career there, God willing.”
Rooney acknowledged Wilson’s age (36) as a factor in the decision-making process, especially compared to Fields, who is a decade younger. “I think you have to take that into consideration,” Rooney said. “That’s a factor.”
Building for the Future: Draft and Beyond
While the focus is on signing either Fields or Wilson, Rooney didn’t rule out exploring the draft for a long-term solution. “We’ve got a whole quarterback room to fill, and so there’s jobs open in there,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we look in the draft as well either this year or next.”
Rooney also emphasized the importance of securing a multi-year deal for the next quarterback. “My preference would probably be to have something more than a one-year in place next time around,” he said.
Mike Tomlin’s Future with the Steelers
Despite the team’s recent struggles, Rooney remains steadfast in his support of head coach Mike Tomlin. “When you look at how many games Mike has won in this league, you don’t win that many games if you’re not a good coach,” Rooney said.
Tomlin, who hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, has faced criticism from fans. However, Rooney believes Tomlin’s leadership and ability to keep the team engaged are invaluable. “The players still want to play for Mike,” Rooney said. “I’m not concerned about his message or that kind of an issue.”
Addressing Fan Frustrations
Rooney didn’t shy away from acknowledging the growing discontent among Steelers fans. “My inbox has been pretty full lately,” he said with a wry smile. “I share their frustration. It was very disappointing the way we ended the season.”
He vowed to take action, stating, “Actions speak louder than words, and we’ve got to be better.”
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