Imagine Chad Ochocinco stepping up to the mic, urging the Pittsburgh Steelers to go all-in on Russell Wilson. The Bengals legend, known for his bold opinions, is suggesting the Steelers hand Wilson a rumored $140 million contract extension. It’s like telling a rival team to bring in the heavy hitter to throw a curveball — a mix of shock and strategy.
Time to see if the Steelers take this advice or laugh it off like a bad joke.
Steelers Should Bet on Russell Wilson with $140M Extension
In a move that might raise some eyebrows, Ochocinco is suggesting the Steelers should lock Russell Wilson down with a rumored $140 million contract extension. On the “Nightcap” podcast, Ochocinco threw some wild but intriguing thoughts into the mix, calling Wilson the perfect fit for the Steelers’ future — stability and all.
Ochocinco asserted, “I think Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson with another year under their belt, I think it would be good. I think Russell Wilson has a possibility of being the quarterback of the future, and if they don’t see fit as far as giving him three years for $140 [million], then you know Justin Fields is always there as a backup plan if things don’t go well.”
“Russell Wilson has shown that he’s very capable of leading the team, being a leader of men,” Ochocinco said, even if the QB isn’t the same Wilson he used to be. “He’s not the same Russell Wilson of old, but he is adequate, he can protect the ball, and he can make the plays necessary.”
While Wilson’s not spinning those highlight-reel plays like he used to, Ochocinco sees a reliable leader in him.
It’s a head-turner, but Ochocinco’s logic makes sense. Stability at quarterback has been elusive for the Steelers, and with their current QB carousel, locking down Wilson would give them some much-needed consistency.
“Arthur Smith, the way he calls the plays for Russell Wilson, is perfect. I think it’s a good thing just to have some stability and security at the quarterback position because, without that, it ain’t happening despite what they looked like these past three weeks,” Ochocinco alluded. So why not throw the man $140 million and give the offense some peace of mind?
With the Steelers searching for answers at quarterback, this move might sound risky, but in a league where unpredictability rules, Ochocinco’s call for Wilson might just be the play that sets them up for success.
Cam Newton Says No to Wilson, Urges Steelers to Develop Fields Instead
ESPN’s “First Take” has found a new rhythm with Cam Newton stepping up, and his recent take on Russell Wilson and the Steelers is a perfect example. When asked if the team should bring back Wilson next season, Newton didn’t hesitate: “No.” His reasoning? He believes the Steelers should focus on developing Fields instead.
“But you bring back Justin Fields though,” he added. “And you allow him, you develop him the right way though.
.@CameronNewton doesn't believe the Steelers should bring Russell Wilson back next season 😯 pic.twitter.com/Kkm5DojoTO
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 27, 2024
Both Wilson and Fields signed one-year deals with the Steelers this season, and as the playoffs approach, Coach Mike Tomlin faces a major decision. Wilson’s inconsistent play this season has raised doubts, while Fields offers untapped potential. Newton believes with the right development, Fields could be the future of the Steelers.
With Tomlin’s QB dilemma heating up, Newton’s bold take may just spark a shift in the Steelers quarterback strategy.