In their first season quarterbacking the Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson managed to guide the team to a playoff berth. Fields initially earned the starting job at the beginning of the regular season but eventually ceded the role to Wilson once the veteran signal-caller recovered from injury. Despite their collective success in reaching the postseason, the team now faces a critical offseason decision, as both quarterbacks are set to become free agents.
Fields showcased promise in his limited opportunities, achieving a 4-2 record as a starter, while Wilson went 6-5 after taking over the reins. However, the team’s late-season performance exposed troubling inconsistencies. After notching 10 wins, the Steelers spiraled into a five-game losing streak to close out the regular season, a stretch that raised serious concerns about their offensive production. During this dismal run, Pittsburgh’s offense failed to score more than 17 points in any game, with Wilson at the helm for each of those contests.
Fields, meanwhile, saw his role diminish significantly following his demotion in Week 6. Despite the offense’s struggles, the coaching staff rarely turned to the young quarterback, allowing him to attempt just two passes after he was relegated to a backup role. Yet, while Fields appeared to fade into the background, reports have surfaced suggesting that Wilson may have clashed with a key member of the coaching staff—offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
According to a report from Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, shared on The Pat McAfee Show, Wilson and Smith “didn’t have a very good working relationship.” Kaboly noted that while the pair publicly presented a united front—often spending long hours together watching film and joking during media appearances—behind the scenes, tensions lingered.
“Despite their efforts to fight through their differences, a team source recently said that Wilson and Smith did not have a very good working relationship,” Kaboly explained.
While the nature of their disagreements remains unclear, the revelation adds another layer of complexity to Pittsburgh’s quarterback dilemma. If Wilson’s relationship with Smith was indeed strained, it could influence the team’s decision regarding his potential return. At the same time, Fields’ limited usage raises questions about the organization’s confidence in his ability to lead the offense moving forward.
As the Steelers evaluate their options, the quarterback position looms as one of the most pressing issues to resolve. While both players have shown flashes of capability, the dynamics between Wilson and the coaching staff and Fields’ limited opportunities could ultimately shape the team’s strategy heading into free agency. The franchise must decide whether to gamble on rebuilding chemistry with Wilson, explore Fields’ untapped potential, or pursue a fresh start with a new quarterback altogether.
With high stakes and lingering uncertainty, the Steelers’ offseason promises to be a pivotal chapter in their quest to establish long-term stability at quarterback.
BREAKING: Russell Wilson reportedly clashed with Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff
