The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crucial juncture as they navigate the future of their quarterback position. While Russell Wilson currently holds the public nod as the entrenched starter, the decisions made in the coming days and weeks will speak volumes about the long-term intentions of the franchise. Specifically, the fate of Justin Fields and his contract extension hangs in the balance.

Fields, the highly touted young quarterback, has a deadline approaching. The Steelers must decide by May 2 whether to trigger his fifth-year option, which would secure two years of control over Fields. If they fail to do so, Fields would become eligible for free agency next offseason, leaving the franchise with limited options to retain him.

However, picking up Fields' option comes with a significant financial commitment. The fifth-year option would require a hefty payout of $25.66 million, a cost that reflects Fields' performance as a starter for the Chicago Bears. Alternatively, if the Steelers were to resort to a franchise tag for Fields, the projected cost for the 2025 season would skyrocket to around $42 million.

Considering these factors, it seems unlikely that the Steelers will exercise Fields' option. Despite his potential, the expense combined with the implications for Russell Wilson's future would create a complex dynamic within the team's quarterback room. Additionally, the Steelers have had limited on-field exposure to Fields, making it a risky investment.

Publicly, the Steelers have stated that Wilson retains his status as the team's starter, with Fields having a chance to compete. However, this language does not address the fifth-year option and its potential impact on the pecking order. It suggests that the Steelers have likely made the decision not to exercise the option, as a high salary for Fields in 2025 would contradict a "Wilson-first" depth chart.

Nonetheless, the Steelers have kept their options open and may explore alternate negotiation strategies with Fields. They could consider a one-year extension for the 2025 season, similar to the approach taken by the Green Bay Packers with Jordan Love. This could offer a more affordable solution while still framing Fields as the potential starter.

Ultimately, the Steelers face a critical decision in the coming months. The May 2 deadline for Fields' option looms large and will reveal the franchise's commitment to either Wilson or Fields. As the deadline draws nearer, both players and fans await the verdict that will shape the Steelers' quarterback position moving forward.