Jets insider predicts Justin Fields will choose New York over Steelers

Image
As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, discussions surrounding quarterback Justin Fields' future have intensified. Zack Rosenblatt, a beat writer for the New York Jets, recently predicted that Fields is likely to sign with the Jets over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Factors Influencing Fields' Potential Move to New York: Connection with Garrett Wilson: Fields has a history with Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson from their time together at Ohio State, which could influence his decision. Cap Space and Starting Opportunity: The Jets have the financial flexibility to offer Fields a competitive contract and a clearer path to a starting role, especially with the anticipated release of Aaron Rodgers. Steelers' Position: The Steelers are keen on retaining Fields, recognizing the importance of securing their quarterback position. However, they face competition from teams like the Jets and the Indianapolis Colts, potentially leading to a bidding war. Conclusion: While the Steele...

$72M WR Rumored to Join Steelers Before Week 1 Kickoff



The Steelers didn’t do much to give George Pickens help in 2024, and it showed. They lacked a strong secondary receiver, leaving Pickens to carry the load most games. That can’t happen again in 2025.

Longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly recently predicted that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk might end up in Pittsburgh next season. Kaboly shared his thoughts during a Q&A session on January 17, giving his early projection for the Steelers’ 2025 starting lineup.

Here’s what he said:

Projected Steelers 2025 Offense:

  • QB: Justin Fields
  • RB: Jaylen Warren
  • TE: Pat Freiermuth
  • WR: George Pickens, Christian Kirk, Calvin Austin
  • OL: Broderick Jones, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Isaac Seumalo, Troy Fautanu

Outside of Fields replacing Russell Wilson at quarterback and Warren stepping in for Najee Harris, Kirk is the biggest addition Kaboly sees coming. The Steelers reportedly almost traded for Kirk before the 2024 trade deadline, but a collarbone injury derailed those plans. Now, Kaboly thinks the team might revisit the idea.

What’s the Deal with Christian Kirk?

Kirk is still under contract with the Jaguars through 2026, thanks to a four-year, $72 million deal he signed in 2022. For the Steelers to land him, one of two things would need to happen:

  1. The Jaguars trade him.
  2. Jacksonville releases him as a cap casualty.

If the Jags cut him before June 1, they’d save about $10.4 million but take on a dead cap hit of $13.65 million. Designating him as a post-June 1 release would save them $16.2 million, reducing the dead cap hit to $7.884 million.

The deciding factor could be Jacksonville’s coaching situation. If Doug Pederson stays in charge, Kirk might stick around. But with coaching changes in play, it’s up in the air—and Kaboly thinks the Jags could let him go.

George Pickens’ Future with the Steelers

Another big question mark is George Pickens. Kaboly admitted it’s too early to say if Pickens will still be with the Steelers in 2025. There are several factors at play:

  • Do the Steelers want to trade him?
  • What kind of return could they get in a trade?
  • Could they sign a top-tier WR1 in free agency, making Pickens expendable?
  • Would they let him play out his contract and use the franchise tag later?

March 12, the start of free agency, could be the key date for answers. If the Steelers land a WR1 in free agency, Kaboly believes they might consider moving Pickens.

What Role Would Kirk Play in Pittsburgh?

Let’s be clear—Kirk wouldn’t come in as the Steelers’ WR1. He’d be more of a solid WR2/3 and a complementary piece to the offense. If the Steelers trade Pickens, they’d still need to bring in a high-level WR1 alongside Kirk. That could mean signing two veteran receivers or signing one and drafting another.

For now, it’s all speculation. But with so many moving parts, the Steelers’ wide receiver room could look very different in 2025. Stay tuned!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Complete Guide to Federal Pell Grants: How to Qualify and Maximize Your Award

A Comprehensive Guide to Student Grants and Loans in the USA

'No Change Expected': Pat Meyer to Remain Steelers' O-Line Leader