NFL Insider Questions Steeler’s Russell Wilson-Justin Fields plan.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network is the latest to question the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ long-term quarterback plans, following the acquisition of veteran Russell Wilson and 2021 first-round draft pick Justin Fields this offseason. “I like Fields to some extent, and I’d be fine with him in certain situations where you have an established starter and someone he can learn from,” Garafolo said during a recent interview with Seattle sports broadcaster Jason Puckett. “What will he learn from Russ?” You’re trying to fit two incomplete guys in here. “I don’t understand the plan.”
Wilson, who signed a team-friendly contract with the Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos, is expected to start the summer near the top of Pittsburgh’s depth chart. Many believe Fields will have a legitimate chance to win the starting job from training camp to the preseason. Garafolo also questions Wilson’s suitability as a mentor for Fields or any young signal-caller hoping to take over the starting job from the one-time Super Bowl champion.
“[Broncos head coach] Sean Payton was livid last year with the way Russ was running the offence or lack of running the offence,” Garafolo said. “He’s gotten this far in his career. He knows how to play quarterback, but he doesn’t strike me as the type of man to whom I would say, ‘Boy, show him all the methods of doing things in the NFL.’ That is not Russ to me. I don’t understand it. I don’t get the whole idea.
If the Steelers do not renew Fields’ contract or take up the fifth-year option linked to it by the May 2 deadline, the 25-year-old and Wilson could be released as early as next summer. Perhaps being unmarried to both until at least September is part of a strategy that includes expecting Wilson or Fields will establish himself as the undisputed quarterback by Week 1 of the 2024 season.