Russell Wilson’s NFL future is something however clear. He helped lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs in 2024, however he was additionally a part of the rationale they went on a four-game dropping streak to shut out the common season. Wilson’s finest days are behind him, and the Steelers could be hesitant to pay him over Justin Fields this offseason. Chris Simms adamantly believes the Steelers ought to transfer on from Wilson in favor of Fields.
“There’s extra upside with Justin Fields,” Simms stated Monday on The Dan Patrick Present. “I feel Russell, perhaps he will get one other shot to be a starter someplace, but when he does, it’s going to be one thing like Sam Darnold was simply part of.
“Like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna signal you, however we would draft a quarterback too. You’re simply gonna be a bridge man.’ However I don’t even know if that’s gonna occur. It’ll be fascinating.”
Simms is right that Fields appears to be like like a extra interesting possibility for the Steelers, if solely due to his age. Wilson is 36-years outdated whereas Fields is simply 25. Whereas age isn’t all the pieces, it’s clear that Wilson has misplaced loads of the athleticism that made him so efficient.
Cash can also be going to be a giant issue within the Steelers’ choice. As a veteran, Wilson would possibly really feel extra entitled to an even bigger contract. Giving him a big deal spanning a number of years may not be the wisest choice. He didn’t look terrible final 12 months, however he additionally didn’t appear like the Steelers’ resolution at quarterback. What number of years does he have left as a viable starter?
In the meantime, Fields continues to be comparatively unproven. That would imply his price will likely be decrease than Wilson’s. It’s not like he was spectacular in his six begins in 2024, however the Steelers had been capable of win video games with him. After spending extra time working with Arthur Smith to be the starter, Fields could possibly be higher in 2025.
Potential is the important thing distinction between Fields and Wilson. Wilson’s peak is within the rearview mirror whereas it seems like Fields nonetheless has quite a bit left within the tank. He may not be a franchise quarterback, however he could possibly be a good starter. On the very least, he might function a pleasant bridge possibility for the Steelers.
If Wilson doesn’t land with the Steelers, Simms is true to surprise what his future holds. Wilson may need to just accept the truth that his days as a assured starter are behind him.
Irrespective of if it’s Fields or Wilson, it appears probably that the Steelers will nonetheless have to improve at quarterback. They’ve been floundering there since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Though they’ve continued to make the playoffs, which may not be ok anymore. With no clear reply in sight, although, Fields appears to be like like the very best obtainable possibility.
