Entering this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not even think that Russell Wilson and Justin Fields would become team members. One or the other is possible, but not both. However, a trade of Kenny Pickett made that all possible, and now the team has an entirely new quarterback room.
The Steelers now have drastic change at that position, but one NFL executive belives that the team deserves to be applauded for their overhaul.
“They should be applauded for where they are at and what they have done,” an exec said to the Athletic’s Mike Sando. “Their hallmark is defense and always has been,” the exec said. “They have been able to find receivers in the draft. They have successfully shopped receivers who have become disgruntled. They will now be running an offensive system that saw Ryan Tannehill have his best year, which you would think bodes well for Wilson and Fields.”
Fields took a small step forward in 2023, his third year as Chicago’s starting quarterback. The 24-year-old Ohio State alum threw 370 times, completing 227 for 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns. He threw nine interceptions and maintained an 86.3 passer rating and a 5.29 adjusted net yards per attempt.
Last season, he was 192 of 318 for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, an 85.2 quarterback rating, and 4.63 adjusted net yards per attempt.
Fields is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Steelers must decide this offseason if they want to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract. That would be a guaranteed $25 million contract for 2025. The Steelers could negotiate a traditional contract extension.
Statistically, Wilson had a rebound in 2023 after a rough season in 2022. Last year, Wilson started 15 games for the Broncos, completing 297 of 447 passes (66.4%) for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions for a 98.0 passer rating and a 6.04 adjusted net yards per attempt. Wilson was benched by the Broncos for the stretch run, after a contract dispute between him and the team over his contract guarantee for the 2025 season.
