The intriguing situation of Russell Wilson continues to elicit discussion and controversy as the 13-year veteran
continues his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Perhaps the third time is the charm, as the 36-year-old will make
his NFL debut in 2024, joining his third team in four years.
The Denver Broncos terminated Wilson after a weird and dismal two years, but they were still liable for the $37.8
million guaranteed portion of his 2024 salary. Meanwhile, the Steelers gladly offered Wilson a team-friendly $1.2
million veteran minimum for one year.
Last week, the Steelers strengthened their quarterback room by trading for former first-round pick Justin Fields with
the Chicago Bears. Pittsburgh also traded former first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles at
the request of the 25-year-old, who was reportedly unhappy with the team’s purchase of Wilson.
Maybe Steelers Nation and the rest of the ‘Team 3’ fans should put the brakes on Wilson, who might not even make it
through training camp. This week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter came on NFL Live and provided an overview of the
quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.
“Russell Wilson is the starter going into training camp, and Justin Fields is the backup,” he stated.
“They can appoint Russell Wilson the starter, they can say Fields is the backup,” Schefter went on to explain. “The
truth is, they have the option of letting this play out during camp and doing whatever is best for the football team.
There is no commitment, responsibility, or loyalty to any of these individuals. They paid relatively little for either of
them. I even had an executive tell me that if Justin Fields outperformed him in training camp, they might let him go
before the season.
In previous seasons, quarterbacks such as Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph delivered unimpressive and
frustrating performances, leaving many wondering how this season’s competition will play out in Pittsburgh. The
Steelers, like the Broncos’ current quarterback room, have two signal-callers — Wilson and Fields — who will
compete for starting reps.
