In an interesting offseason move, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson following his release from the Denver Broncos.
Alongside Wilson, the team also acquired Justin Fields, setting up a quarterback competition after trading away Kenny Pickett and allowing Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph to explore free agency.
Both additions are looked at as “low-risk, high-reward.” … However, for a team that’s considered to be in win-now mode, neither quarterback has shined throughout the preseason.
Wilson has been named the starter for Week 1. However, one prominent NFL analyst is far from impressed with Mr. Unlimited’s current career trajectory.
Mark Schlereth of FOX Sports recently expressed skepticism about Wilson’s future as Pittsburghâs starter, suggesting that the quarterback’s time at the helm may be short-lived.
During a recent episode of his âStinkin Truthâ podcast, the three-time Super Bowl champion didnât mince words.
“Iâm gonna say five games.” He said in reference to how long we should expect Wilson to be under center. “The way the Pittsburgh Steelers are gonna have to be built, what theyâre gonna have to build themselves on is the running game and using the quarterback element in the run game.”
Schlereth also addressed Wilsonâs mentality, which he believes has contributed to the quarterbackâs recent struggles.
“Do I think they may be able to compete for a playoff spot? Yeah, but the issue is, and this is what got Russ out of Seattle and Denver, Russ isnât willing to admit heâs not good at stuff,” Schlereth said. “Heâs delusional. If youâre not willing to admit it, then you canât fix it.”
If Schlerethâs prediction holds true, itâs possible that Justin Fields could take over as the Steelers’ starting quarterback by Week 6.
Wilson, once among the NFLâs elite quarterbacks, has seen his performance decline significantly in recent years.
After a decade-long stint with the Seattle Seahawks, where he led the team to two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, Wilsonâs career took a massive downturn with the Broncos.
He signed an enormous five-year, $245 million contract with Denver but struggled, recording an 11-19 record over 30 starts.
After being given every chance to prove himself, Wilson was ultimately benched by head coach Sean Payton for the final two games of the 2023 season.
Now, with a fresh start in Pittsburgh, Wilson enters the season on a one-year deal worth $1.2 million – a low-risk investment for the Steelers, especially since the Broncos are still on the hook for $37.8 million of his salary this year.
Once considered a lock for the Hall of Fame, Wilson’s career is at a crossroads to say the least.
Will he be able to resurrect his career in Pittsburgh and be the productive quarterback the Steelers need? … Or will Schlereth’s prediction of his stint as starter being short-lived come true?
Are the Steelers in better hands with Wilson or Fields? … Or is the harsh reality that neither is the true answer at quarterback???