In a shakeup that has come as a surprise to some, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly set to bench starting quarterback Justin Fields in favor of veteran Russell Wilson.
Despite the Steelers’ strong 4-2 start to the season, the decision has raised eyebrows and sparked some locker room tension.
Fields, while not performing at an elite level, has led the team to a winning record, prompting some to question Tomlin’s move.
NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin noted that while the situation is very unique, Fields is in the perfect place to weather the storm and be better because of it.
“If Justin Fields were anywhere else, I would be worried about his makeup after coming out and playing this good [and being benched]… But he’s got Mike Tomlin. I guarantee you; I don’t care how this thing plays out. The best place he can be is where he is,” Irvin said on his YouTube channel.
The Steelers’ quarterback controversy isn’t the only headline.
Across the league, the New York Jets made a big splash by acquiring star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. Not to be outdone by their AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills plucked Amari Cooper from the sinking Cleveland Browns.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw wide receiver Mike Williams under the bus following Gang Green’s brutal loss to the Bills last Monday Night. This, along with the acquisition of Adams, has led many to believe that Williams will soon be shipped out of town.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers might be one of the teams interested in acquiring Williams, especially as they seek to bolster their receiving corps.
“Pittsburgh appears to be the next team up. It has been scouring the earth for receiver help, making strong pushes for Brandon Aiyuk and Adams in the past,” Fowler reported.
“Williams could make some sense as a deep-threat option, though the Jets and Steelers play this week, which complicates matters. Either way, Pittsburgh will be looking.”
Fellow ESPN’er Dan Graziano also provided insight into Williams’ contract situation and how it could impact a potential trade.
“The acquisition of Adams by the Jets has put free agent signee Mike Williams on the trade block, and a number of teams think the veteran wideout could be on the move soon,” Graziano stated.
“His 2024 salary is just $5 million, plus another $100,000 bonus for each game he’s on the active roster. So if a team acquires him now, it would have to pay $3,333,333 (plus up to another $1.1 million in per-game bonuses) the rest of the season.”
If the Steelers do move ahead with starting Wilson as expected, having a seasoned receiver like Williams could help smooth the transition.
While George Pickens has emerged as a promising wide receiver, Pittsburgh’s depth at the position is limited.
As Fowler pointed out, the Steelers previously pursued Brandon Aiyuk before he re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers, signaling Pittsburgh’s ongoing search for offensive weapons.
Ironically, the Steelers face the Jets this week on Sunday Night Football. The timing of everything could perhaps accelerate negotiations.
What are your thoughts on Williams? … Should the Steelers go after him???