Cam Newton pushes for Steelers to trade Russell Wilson and crown Justin Fields QB1
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson battled for the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback job.
Coach Mike Tomlin announced Wilson as the team's starting quarterback shortly before the start of the season. However, Wilson experienced a setback due to a calf strain and was sidelined. As a result, Fields started the season as the team's quarterback, took advantage of the opportunity, and has the Steelers at 3-2 through five weeks.
With the Steelers 3-2 five weeks in, Tomlin announced that Fields would remain the starter with Wilson as his backup.
Making his debut on ESPN First Take, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton is lobbying for the Steelers to trade Wilson. He thinks now that Fields is the starter, the Steelers should try to get some value in return for Wilson.
"Use Russell Wilson as trade, trade value and the fact that the Miami Dolphins haven't reached out to Pittsburgh is beyond me, especially with that specific situation, at this particular point in time, I think we've seen enough in Pittsburgh to really crown Justin Fields," Newton said on Friday.
"And they've said it without really saying it. You know, the whole morale of the team guys are fighting for him, they're playing for him, and I don't know it's probably in too deep for Russell Wilson at the end of the day."
A few teams are looking to acquire Wilson. As Netwon mentioned, the Miami Dolphins are a team that should be phoning them, as Tua Tagovailoa is sidelined with a concussion.
The Las Vegas Raiders just benched Gardner Minshew for Aidan O'Connell, and adding a veteran like Wilson could be the best option for them at this point.
Will Pittsburgh keep Justin Fields/Russell Wilson after this season?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still looking for their next long-term franchise quarterback.
Since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2022 season, the Steelers have shuffled through Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Justin Fields.
Fields has been solid starting for the Steelers in 2024. He's completed 67.6% of passes while throwing for 961 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. He's also run for 172 yards and three touchdowns.
While he may be the starting quarterback for the rest of the 2024 season, the Steelers could move on from Fields and Russell Wilson next offseason. Both Wilson and Fields are set to become free agents next offseason.
If Pitt feels neither can be its franchise guy for multiple years, it could let both walk in free agency. That's why some think it's smart for the Steelers to trade Wilson now for something in return.