Even if Russell Wilson has to contend for the starting quarterback position, his deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers could be the best bargain of the offseason.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin indicated that Justin Fields will have every opportunity to replace Wilson as the starting quarterback. Even if Fields leads the Steelers’ offense on the field in Week 1, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy Pittsburgh taking a chance on Wilson.
“Even in the seemingly unlikely event that Russell Wilson is beaten out for the starting gig by Justin Fields,” writes CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin. “This is probably the best deal of the offseason. Consider the prices backup quarterbacks command on the free market, whereas Wilson signed for only $1.2 million. Russ is no longer the player he once was, but he doesn’t have to be anywhere close to that to be worth this price and more.”
How Much Cap Space do Pittsburgh Steelers Have?
Constructing one of the league’s more affordable quarterback rooms, with Fields approaching the final year of his rookie contract and Wilson playing for the league minimum, puts the Pittsburgh Steelers in an attractive position against the cap.
Even if the Steelers decide to exercise Fields’ fifth-year option, general manager Omar Khan will have tremendous spending flexibility in 2024.
Pittsburgh presently has upwards of $15.2 million in cap space for the 2024 season, and with both Wilson and Fields nearing the end of their current contracts, they are predicted to have $81.4 million in cap room in 2025.
Khan and the Steelers have left plenty of quarterback options open, despite Fields’ option choice on May 2.
