Steelers Wire
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a real problem heading into 2025 free agency—HC Mike Tomlin’s display of quiet favoritism.
Fans of the Black and Gold only need to look at how Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were handled in the 2024 regular season for proof. Fields started the season 4-2 but was benched in favor of Wilson—despite the latter’s struggles.
It has become public knowledge that Tomlin and Steelers President Art Rooney II are strong supporters of Wilson. Reports even suggested that the coaching staff wanted to bench Wilson in favor of Fields but were overruled.
Najee Harris is another example of Tomlin’s quiet favoritism. Since 2022, Jaylen Warren has been the Steelers’ most efficient running back, posting 4.9, 5.3, and 4.3 yards per carry in his first three seasons.
Meanwhile, Harris managed only 3.8, 4.0, and 4.1 YPC in that same span. Despite Warren’s superior efficiency, Harris has remained the unquestioned workhorse, receiving at least 250 carries each season while Warren was left with the scraps.
This favoritism could carry over into free agency. If Tomlin has his way, his loyalty to Wilson and Harris may overshadow the reality that Fields and Warren are the better options moving forward.
