In an eventful first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both played pivotal roles in guiding the team to the playoffs. While Fields was given the starting role at the beginning of the season, Wilson took over once he was healthy enough to play. Despite Fields starting the season, it was Wilson who finished as the primary signal-caller, though the two quarterbacks had different levels of success. Fields ended his time as the starter with an impressive 4-2 record, while Wilson posted a more modest 6-5 mark. Both quarterbacks are set to become free agents this offseason, which presents the Steelers with a difficult decision regarding their future at the quarterback position.
However, recent reports suggest that the situation surrounding Wilson’s relationship with the coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, could influence that decision. Even though the Steelers finished the regular season with a respectable 10-7 record, the way they ended their campaign left much to be desired. The team stumbled through a dismal five-game losing streak to close out the season, which highlighted a significant issue: the offense’s inability to score more than 17 points in any of those games. Russell Wilson was the starting quarterback for each of these losses, while Fields, after being benched early in the season, rarely saw any playing time. In fact, after being replaced as the starter in Week 6, Fields attempted just two passes the entire rest of the season, further suggesting that he was not given a real chance to contribute.
Reports have surfaced that during this frustrating stretch for the Steelers’ offense, Wilson’s relationship with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was far from ideal. According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Wilson and Smith’s working relationship was strained. Kaboly noted that despite spending long hours together reviewing film and maintaining a seemingly friendly public dynamic, behind closed doors, the two did not always see eye to eye.
A source close to the team further confirmed this, saying that although Wilson and Smith did their best to work through their differences, their rapport was far from perfect. This tension between the starting quarterback and the offensive coordinator could raise concerns for the Steelers’ front office as they prepare for the offseason. As the team looks to solidify their quarterback situation, the potential for unresolved conflicts between Wilson and the coaching staff may weigh heavily in their decision-making process.
The Steelers will undoubtedly need to address the quarterback position in the coming months, and the dynamics between Wilson and Smith could play a crucial role in their evaluation. With both quarterbacks, Fields and Wilson, likely on the move this offseason, the Steelers will have to weigh their options carefully. The team’s strong regular-season record was ultimately overshadowed by their lackluster finish, and the quarterback situation remains one of the most pressing issues facing the franchise heading into 2025.
