As the NFL free agency draws closer, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a crucial decision in their quarterback situation. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it seems that Justin Fields may have the edge over Russell Wilson in the race to be the team’s starting quarterback in the upcoming season.
Fowler reported that sources close to the team are sensing that Fields, the highly-touted rookie from Ohio State, is emerging as the favorite in the Steelers’ quarterback sweepstakes. This comes as a surprise to many, as Wilson has been linked to the Steelers in various trade rumors since last season.
But why would the Steelers choose Fields over a proven and experienced quarterback like Wilson? Let’s take a closer look at the situation.
First and foremost, Fields brings a fresh and exciting energy to the Steelers. He had an impressive college career at Ohio State, where he threw for 5,701 yards and 67 touchdowns in just two seasons. He also showcased his athleticism with 867 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. With his dual-threat abilities and strong arm, Fields has the potential to be a game-changer for the Steelers’ offense.
On the other hand, Wilson is coming off a less-than-stellar season with the Seattle Seahawks. While he still had a respectable 4,212 passing yards and 40 touchdowns, his performance seemed to decline as the season progressed. At 33 years old, there are concerns about how much longer Wilson can maintain his high level of play.
Another factor that may have influenced the Steelers’ decision is Wilson’s contract. He is set to earn $19 million in the 2021 season, and his contract runs through 2023. The Steelers, who are already dealing with salary cap issues, may not be willing to take on such a hefty contract for a quarterback who may only have a few more good years left.
Fields, on the other hand, is still on his rookie contract and would come at a much more affordable price for the Steelers. This would allow them to allocate more funds to other areas of their team and potentially build a stronger overall roster.
Of course, this is all speculation at this point, and the Steelers have not made any official statements regarding their quarterback situation. But if Fowler’s sources are correct, it seems that the team is leaning towards Fields.
This news may not sit well with some Steelers fans who were hoping for Wilson to join their team. After all, he is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and has consistently been one of the best in the league. But sometimes, change can be a good thing, and Fields could bring a new dynamic to the Steelers’ offense.
While it’s still early to make any predictions, one thing is certain – the Steelers’ quarterback decision will be a crucial one that could greatly impact their success in the upcoming season. But with a talented rookie like Fields in the mix, the future looks bright for the Steelers.
In the end, the Steelers will have to weigh their options and make a decision that they feel is best for their team. And no matter who they choose, the Steelers will have a strong quarterback leading their team into the new season. So let’s embrace the uncertainty and trust that the Steelers will make the right call.