The Pittsburgh Steelers took a risk on former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, signing him to a one-year contract.
Wilson’s reputation has been tainted over the last two years as a member of the Denver Broncos, where his relationship with Sean Payton soured. However, all of that is behind him, as the Steelers took a chance on the former starter.
Even with Justin Fields joining the team, all indicators point to Wilson as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. Last weekend, the Steelers traded for Fields, who will compete with Wilson in OTAs and training camp.
However, it could be more sophisticated than that. According to one NFL executive, the Steelers could part ways with the 35-year-old before the season begins.
“There’s no commitment, obligation, or loyalty to any of these guys,” Schefter added, underlining the Steelers’ low investment in acquiring veteran quarterback and backup Justin Fields. “They paid little for either of them. I even had an executive tell me that if Justin Fields outperformed Russell Wilson throughout training camp, they could consider moving away from him before the season.”
Nothing is set in stone. We all expected Wilson to outperform the Brocnos, as did the organization when they signed him to a big contract. Two years later, we wonder if Wilson can be a starting quarterback in this league.
Things move quickly in the NFL, and a lot of strange things have occurred, so perhaps this NFL executive is on to something. The Steelers signed Wilosn for a one-year contract worth $1.2 million. In the NFL, that’s a steal.
Anything may happen, and the Steelers did not deal for Fields without a cause.
“Very little investment,” Schefter explained. “…They have the luxury of letting this play out during camp and doing whatever is best for that football team.”
Regardless, Wilson is poised to become Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. Both Wilson and Fields have had issues with their prior clubs, and it will be intriguing to see who emerges as the starting quarterback when the initial depth charts are posted.
The Steelers might potentially try to mimic a dual-QB situation, like the New Orleans Saints have done with Derek Carr and Taysom Hill. Hill would frequently enter the game and offer a fresh run-option strategy.
Fields is significantly more mobile than Wilson, and he has the potential to further confound defenders, much like Hill might. Despite the fact that Wilson is seen as “washed,” the Steelers currently have one of the NFL’s strongest quarterback rooms.
