One NFL executive isn’t sold on the Russell Wilson-Steelers marriage.
During Tuesday’s installment of “NFL Live,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter discussed the quarterback’s one-year contract with Pittsburgh worth $1.21 million, and said he heard Wilson might be on the chopping block in training camp.
“There’s no commitment, obligation, loyalty to any of these guys,” Schefter said, emphasizing the Steelers did not invest a lot to acquire the veteran signal-caller and backup Justin Fields. “They didn’t pay much for either one of them. I even had an executive say if Justin Fields outplayed him, Russell Wilson, during training camp, they could see them moving on from him before the season.”
Pittsburgh signed the 35-year-old Wilson in NFL free agency on March 15 after the Broncos decided to eat $85 million in dead money to get rid of him after two disappointing seasons.
Because of offset language in Wilson’s Broncos contract, he was able to sign for the veteran’s minimum in Pittsburgh, while Denver is set to pay him the $38 million they owe him for the 2024 season.
The Steelers only gave up a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for Fields in a deal with the Chicago Bears on March 16.
“Very little investment,” Schefter said. “… They have the luxury of letting this play out during camp and doing whatever is best for that football team.”
Taking to social media Wednesday, Wilson shared a video of him during an outdoor workout.
“Love the Work,” he wrote on X. “The Best Is Ahead.”
Before the deal was announced, Wilson confirmed he was headed to Pittsburgh for his forthcoming 13th NFL season in a video on social media.
“Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers,” he wrote at the time, including a 50-second hype video of Steelers fans cheering at Acrisure Stadium.
Wilson is currently projected to be the Week 1 starter for Pittsburgh with Fields as the backup.
Fields spent his first three NFL seasons with the Bears, taking over as the starter in Week 2 of his rookie season after veteran Andy Dalton got hurt.
In 2023, Fields completed 61.4% of his passes for 2,562 yards with 16 TDs, nine interceptions and an 86.3 passer rating. He also rushed for 657 yards and four TDs on 124 carries
The quarterback room in Pittsburgh is completely overhauled after it featured former starter Kenny Pickett (Eagles), Mason Rudolph (Titans) and Mitch Trubisky (Bills) last season.
Read more
