Russell Wilson trade rumors: AFC contenders emerge as possible landing spots
Could Russell Wilson be traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers without even taking a snap with them? It could happen.
After Wilson signed with the Steelers this offseason, there was a great chance he would head into the season as the starting quarterback. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin named Wilson QB1 shortly before the season, but a calf strain left Wilson sidelined for the first two weeks.
Per ESPN reporter Dan Graziano on Friday, the Steelers could potentially trade Russell Wilson if Justin Fields winds up keeping the starting job. He's linked the Miami Dolphins and the Las Vegas Raiders as two potential suitors that could trade for Wilson.
Fields has led the Steelers to a 2-0 start with wins over the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos. In the two games, Fields has completed 30 of 43 passing attempts (69.8%) for 273 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Wilson has been sidelined for the last two games with his calf strain. It's expected that Fields will continue to start. If the Steelers stick with Fields, it makes sense for Wilson to possibly trade to a team where he can start instantly in the Dolphins or the Raiders.
However, Russell Wilson does have a no-trade clause in his contract, and this could prevent a trade from happening.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks Steelers should roll with Justin Fields over Russell Wilson
Since Ben Roethlisberger retired as the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback after the 2021 season, the Steelers have been searching for his long-term replacement.
They've gone through multiple quarterbacks and added Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason to compete and hopefully be the next franchise quarterback.
Even if neither becomes the franchise quarterback, Roethlisberger said he would stick with Fields as the starting quarterback even if Wilson is healthy.
“To me, if Russ is healthy, I’m sticking with Justin," Roethlisberger said. "I said it last week I wouldn’t, but what I saw [in Week Two]. I think that he has earned and deserves the right to stay there.”
The Steelers and Fields will have a big test this weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers, who, like the Steelers, carry a 2-0 record into Week 3. If Fields can play an impressive game and lead the Steelers to victory, it could be enough to remain as the starting quarterback for an extended period of time.