The Pittsburgh Steelers will see Justin Fields in 2025. He just won’t be playing for them. Turning down the Steelers for the New York Jets, it sets up a regular-season meeting when Pittsburgh and New York square off in 2025.
Fields has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets. Rumors about New York being in hot pursuit of Fields picked up over recent days and though the Steelers and Fields reportedly remained open to re-signing, he chose a fresh start with the Jets.
The date for the Steelers-Jets 2025 meeting won’t be known until the schedule release in May. Pittsburgh is set to play the AFC East this year with road games against New York and New England and home contests versus Miami and Buffalo.
It’s not known why Fields chose New York over Pittsburgh. Contract could be an obvious factor. If the Jets offered more, and $20 million is more than what most expected Fields to net, it’s obvious why he would depart the Steelers. But it’s likely not the only reason. Though he said all the right things, Fields was ostensibly unhappy with being replaced midway through the 2024 season after Russell Wilson was cleared from his calf injury. Through six games with Fields under center, Pittsburgh was 4-2 and leading the AFC North.
The rest of his season was spent coming off the bench sparingly. He logged just 15 offensive snaps from Week 7 on, including the Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Reportedly, and reasonably, Fields wanted to go to a place that offered him the best chance to start wire to wire. New York can certainly offer that. He also reunites with Ohio State teammate and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who returns as the team’s No. 1 target with Davante Adams released and signing with the Los Angeles Rams.
With Sam Darnold going to Seattle and Fields landing with the Jets, Pittsburgh’s quarterback options are dwindling. They’re likely down to choosing between Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. Reports are leaning toward Rodgers but no contract has been agreed to, according to multiple reports.
Owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan expressed a desire to retain one of Fields or Wilson. But like last year, the team’s words and its actions could prove different.
Under a new general manager and head coach, the Jets are looking to rebound after a 5-12 2024 season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, finishing last in the AFC East seven times over that span.
