With the 2025 salary cap set at $272.5 million, the Pittsburgh Steelers could explore keeping Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on their roster. Through strategic planning, they can balance their cap to accommodate both quarterbacks, using a $42 million franchise tag for Wilson and a series of smart "Khan Artist" moves.

Here’s a closer look at how the Steelers could manage this challenge.

1. Use the franchise tag to retain Russell Wilson

To retain Wilson without a long-term cap hit, the Steelers could place the $42 million franchise tag on him. This tag allows them to keep Wilson’s leadership and experience for the 2025 season without locking into an extended contract. While the tag occupies a large portion of the cap, it offers flexibility for future seasons and ensures a smooth transition should Fields emerge as the future franchise quarterback.

2. Restructure key veteran contracts

The Steelers could free up additional cap space by renegotiating contracts with top-earning veterans. Players like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick represent substantial cap hits, but by converting parts of their base salaries into signing bonuses, Pittsburgh could spread out these costs over several years. This restructuring tactic can yield significant savings, helping to absorb Wilson’s cap hit without sacrificing core defensive assets.

3. Prioritize rookies and developmental players

The Steelers should lean on rookies and younger players to maintain cap efficiency. Drafting smartly in 2025 could provide high-upside talent at lower costs. Rookies and players on entry-level deals can fill depth roles or even start in key positions, reducing the need for expensive veterans. This strategy helps the Steelers manage their payroll effectively while developing new talent.

4. Target affordable free agents

Instead of pursuing high-cost free agents, Pittsburgh can focus on value signings. Finding mid-tier free agents who offer reliability and versatility will help maintain team balance without significant cap strains. For example, defensive linemen or secondary players with solid track records but modest salary demands could enhance team depth at affordable prices, preserving cap space for their quarterbacks.

5. Evaluate high-cost players for potential release or trade

Finally, the Steelers might consider cutting or trading certain high-cost players to free cap room. Veteran players with large cap hits but declining productivity could be traded or released, allowing the team to focus funds on essential positions. This approach could open more cap space to retain Wilson and Fields while maintaining roster strength.

Through these strategies—leveraging the franchise tag, restructuring veteran contracts, prioritizing young talent, focusing on affordable free agents, and evaluating high-cost players—the Steelers could retain both Wilson and Fields. With this well-planned approach, Pittsburgh could have a dynamic roster featuring veteran experience and promising youth primed for success in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 ways Steelers could keep Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in 2025