NFL analyst casts doubt on "washed" Russell Wilson following Steelers' QB1 decision
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Russell Wilson on a one-year, $1.2 million deal and traded a fifth-round pick to acquire Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears before pitting the two in a battle for the team's starting quarterback job. The veteran has been picked to start in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, but Dan Patrick doesn't believe he'd be in the role for too long.
On the "Dan Patrick Show," the veteran analyst claimed that Wilson starting under center is a temporary move and Fields will soon take over from the former Denver Broncos quarterback.
He said:
"It feels like we're already circling on the calendar when Justin Fields is taking over for Russ. It's wishful reporting is what is happening here. Russ has had, what? Nine really good seasons, and then he's had two bad seasons, Nine Pro Bowls. It's still it feels like, okay, Seattle kicked him to the curb. Denver kicked into the curb. Well, he must be washed. I'd like to see how this goes."
Patrick added that he's certain that Fields will get a chance to play in the upcoming season. However, he's unsure whether it'd be due to Wilson's poor form, an injury to the veteran, or to freshen things up.
Head coach Mike Tomlin's take on the quarterback situation also suggested that the former Bears star could replace the nine-time Pro Bowler in the starting lineup.
Mike Tomlin says decision Justin Fields and Russell Wilson came down to the wire
After the Steelers announced that Wilson would start the team's season-opener against the Falcons, Tomlin told reporters, during his media availability, that the decision wasn't easy.
"It became evident that the decision was going to be difficult," Tomlin said. Justin's talents are more than I anticipated, particularly his mobility, the things that he can do and create was really exciting. Russ' deep ball is even more impressive than his reputation, and I've seen it for 10 plus years or more toward 15 years in the NFL. To be around it every day, it was really exciting."
The veteran coach's admission suggests that the skill gap between the two quarterbacks isn't wide. If the Steelers' offense fails to fire with Wilson under center, Tomlin could turn to Fields.
Both quarterbacks are on expiring deals and have to perform well to keep their hopes of getting a roster spot next season. Pittsburgh has had a revolving door at quarterback since Roethlisberger's retirement in 2021. They will be hoping that one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields can play well enough to end their quarterback conundrum.