NFL Confidential: Inside the ongoing pursuits of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson

As the NFL's first week of free agency comes to a close, two questions loom largest: Where will Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson wind up?

Well, here's what I know …

The Steelers were initially heavy on two quarterbacks — Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold — both of whom landed elsewhere. They then struck out on Justin Fields, who predictably landed with the Jets.

Why is all of this significant? Because it tells us that Mike Tomlin & Co. firmly believe they're a quarterback away — especially now with the monumental move to acquire star wideout DK Metcalf. 

Neither Wilson nor Rodgers are the players they were five years ago, but both can at least bring a level of stability to the position. Let's not forget that Tomlin was a key reason why Russ signed in the first place. Sources say the two spent several hours together last offseason, connecting on a personal level that went way beyond just football. 

Despite Fields guiding the Steelers to a 4-2 start in 2024, Tomlin benched him once Wilson was healthy enough to start. That relationship, sources say, remains a key to how this shakes out. If the trust and respect is still there, then perhaps Wilson returns. But league sources disagree on just how healthy that relationship is today. 

"I don't believe it's where it was before the season, or even early December, when Russ was still playing good football," a longtime league executive told FOX Sports. "I just don't."

Fields, meanwhile, opted against a return to Pittsburgh because he was enticed by the idea of playing in a major market, while the chance to reunite with former Buckeyes teammate Garrett Wilson didn't hurt either. With the Jets, Fields has the keys to what many folks around the league believe will be a highly creative