Steelers $18 million backup listed among top options for Giants' biggest need

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up a crucial 18-16 divisional victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, improving their record to 8-2 and strengthening their lead in the AFC North. Mike Tomlin's squad will travel to Huntington Bank Field to take on the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football in Week 12. 

Though the offense struggled to finish drives on Sunday, Arthur Smith's unit has been productive since Russell Wilson took over as the starting quarterback. Though Wilson has taken the offense to the next level since assuming the starting role in Week 7, Justin Fields filled in admirably for the nine-time Pro Bowler to start the season when Wilson was dealing with a calf injury.

Fields posted a 4-2 record as the starter for Pittsburgh this season, tossing five touchdowns to just one interception and adding five scores on the ground. The 2021 first-round pick was playing the best football of his career to kick off the 2024 campaign and may have played well enough to earn a starting role elsewhere next year. Fields is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

The Steelers may look to bring back Fields for the 2025 season, but Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the former Ohio State standout is one of the top candidates to start for the New York Giants next season.

To be clear, the Giants could make a run at current Pittsburgh Steelers starter Russell Wilson. With extremely strong play over the past few weeks, Wilson has reestablished himself as a quality starter and will command a lot of attention if he reaches the open market.

Justin Fields, however, could be viewed as more of a long-term solution. The 2021 first-round pick also reestablished himself with the Steelers this season, going 4-2 and posting a 93.9 passer rating while starting Pittsburgh's first six games.

The 25-year-old still isn't a finished product, but he's shown growth as a passer and remains an elite scrambler. A handful of NFL general managers—possibly including Joe Schoen—will likely view Fields as a more enticing option than what the 2025 draft class has to offer.

The Giants benched Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy Devito on Monday, as the franchise is clearly ready to move on from the 2019 No.6 overall pick. Though many expect New York to select a young signal caller in April's draft, the team could elect to sign a quarterback in free agency this offseason, and Fields would be an intriguing option.

Though Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson are the top quarterbacks on the open market, Fields provides the most upside and is steadily improving. If the Giants can surround the young signal-caller with viable pass-catching options and a formidable offensive line, Fields could have a career renaissance in New York.