Will The Steelers Regret Making This Decision?
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Wednesday that Russell Wilson will be the Week 1 starting quarterback. There has been a QB competition between Wilson and Justin Fields through the preseason.
With Wilson being awarded the job, did the Steelers make the right choice?
The QB Battle
Pittsburgh signed Wilson and Fields during this offseason, and both guys have a strong claim for the starting spot. Wilson is a Super Bowl-winning veteran who had a rough few years in Denver. Now he’s looking to prove himself again. Fields is young and has a ton of potential, but he didn’t get to show it during his time in Chicago.
Wilson isn’t the same QB he once was, but he still has value as a starter. The Steelers brought him in on a one-year deal worth $1.2 million. It’s a perfect situation for both parties. Wilson has something to prove and the Steelers don’t break the bank. He might not be the long-term solution, but they could use him while his price tag is low.
Was It The Right Choice?
The Steelers made the right call here with Wilson. He only played 25 snaps during the preseason and went 10-12 for 73 yards passing. Fields played over 50 snaps and went 19-27 for 199 yards. Each of them had one scoring drive. The Steelers had two solid options here, and they went with the best one for right now.
Russ's failure in Denver can be attributed to many things. There was the drama of his Seattle exit and the massive contract Denver gave him, and that was just the beginning. Now he's on a cheaper deal with fewer expectations. He can be a temporary fix in Pittsburgh and bridge the QB gap that they are in.
Where Does This Leave Fields?
Justin Fields is in the last year of his rookie deal. Luckily for the Steelers, he still has tons of potential and no reason to ask for a hefty contract. Sitting behind Russ could be great for Fields in the long run. He needed a change of scenery and this is a win-win for him. He can take the reins in Pittsburgh when Russ leaves, or he can take his talents to a QB-needy team next year.
Fields has always had great potential. He didn't have a real shot in Chicago's struggling offense. The Steelers must've been impressed by him if they pushed this decision as long as they did. Taking a break for a year can get some stress off his shoulders and allow him to come back better. While this isn't his opportunity yet, that doesn't mean it's not coming.
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