Heading into the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have drastically changed the look of their football team this offseason with moves that included a complete overhaul of their quarterback room.
Since acquiring both veteran Russell Wilson and intriguing young talent, Justin Fields, the expectation has been that the former would be the Steelers’ starting quarterback this season. However, one former NFL executive is adamant that Fields is the far better option of the two and will ultimately win the starting job.
Former NFL Executive Adamant That Justin Fields Is Steelers’ Best Option at Quarterback
On the latest episode of ESPN’s Get Up, the panel played a game of “Fact or Fiction,” in which former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum was asked, “Fact or Fiction, Justin Fields — best QB in Pittsburgh?” Tannenbaum’s answer was emphatic and may have surprised some.
“That’s an overwhelming fact. He is only 25 years old; his best days are in front of him. I think he will beat out Russell Wilson … much sooner than later. I don’t think there is a quarterback controversy, and I think he has a reasonable chance … to be a quarterback there for a long time. I think he is ideal for Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator.”
Failed #Jets CRAPSHOOT taking GM Tannenbaum,still hasn't a clue. Neither does Mr.Foxworth who in 2023 predicted #Bears Fields would be playing at MVP LEVEL! now they both double down on that lunacy. predicting Fields will be #Steelers QB1 by game one? what if they're wrong again? pic.twitter.com/vo6dIO2QEK
— Michael Edens (@realme1459) March 22, 2024
Tannenbaum minced no words with his opinion on the matter, and it’s clear he’s far higher on Fields than Wilson, not only in the long term but in the present as well.
While it’s not a leap to suggest the young QB has a brighter NFL future than the veteran Wilson who is well into his 30s now, to suggest it’s an “overwhelming fact” that he’ll win the starting job this current season isn’t accurate according to recent reports.
After Fields was traded to Pittsburgh, ESPN’s Brook Pryor, who covers the Steelers, reported that the former Bears QB would be Wilson’s backup. In the last week since the trade happened, this has continued to be the report from various NFL insiders.
While Fields has tantalizing athleticism at the position and has had his share of moments of game-breaking plays, he still has a ways to go in his maturation as a quarterback. Although Wilson might not be the quarterback he once was in Seattle, he still threw for 10 more touchdowns than Fields in 2023.
The Steelers could change their minds during training camp, but it appears Fields has a steep hill to climb in unseating Wilson as Pittsburgh’s starting QB, contrary to Tannenbaum’s belief.
Comparing Fields’ and Russell Wilson’s 2024 Contracts
Part of the reason that made Wilson so appealing to the Steelers — and any other team that was interested in his services, for that matter — is his contract. With the Broncos deciding to part ways with the signal-caller far earlier than they intended to, it’s left them footing the bill for the majority of his owed money.
That situation has allowed for a team like Pittsburgh to bring Wilson in on a veteran minimum deal while allowing him to still get all his guaranteed money from his prior stop. That sense of intrigue due to his financial situation that afforded him this opportunity may also be the same reason why he can be moved on from as well.
While Wilson is expecting a large salary in 2024, the Steelers aren’t the ones paying the bulk of it, setting up a situation where if Fields can outright beat Wilson in camp, it wouldn’t be inconceivable for the team to move on.
For 2024, Wilson is on the books with the Steelers for a modest $1.2 million, while Fields is being paid $1.6 million by the franchise this season. The situation is unique since Wilson’s incoming cash in 2024 is almost $36 million more than Fields. Yet, when it comes to their standing in Pittsburgh, the team financially has more invested in Fields.
How it all plays out remains to be seen. When looking at the full picture, one could wonder just how far off Tannenbaum is with his idea that Fields could uproot Wilson from his QB1 throne.
KEEP READING: Mike Tomlin Reveals Who’s in ‘Pole Position’ for Steelers’ QB Job
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