The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett with high hopes that he could be the heir apparent to the legendary Ben Roethlisberger. However, after two seasons of struggling in a poor system, the Steelers saw an opportunity to sign nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. This decision upset Pickett, leading him to force his way out of Pittsburgh.
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Steelers QB's Justin Fields and Russell Wilson look on during practice.
In response, the Steelers executed a trade with the Chicago Bears for their former first-round pick quarterback, Justin Fields. Now, the Steelers have both Wilson and Fields for the 2024 season at a very low cost. Pundits believe the Steelers have upgraded their quarterback room, but questions remain about whether Wilson or Fields can be the franchise's long-term solution.
Both Wilson and Fields join the Steelers after a couple of seasons of struggles that have led to doubts about their capabilities. Former Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress appeared on The Carton Show to discuss Pittsburgh's new quarterback situation. Burress expressed no confidence in either Wilson or Fields being the long-term answer at quarterback.
"I just don't know what the Steelers are gonna do moving forward from a franchise quarterbacking standpoint,” Burress said.
Wilson is a proven quarterback in the league but joins the Steelers after two seasons of struggling to win games with the Denver Broncos. At 35 years old, many wonder how much longer he can play at a high level in the NFL. Wilson is set to be the starter, giving Fields the opportunity to alleviate pressure and learn from the former Super Bowl champion.
The News Tribune
Former Seahawks QB Russell Wilson looks at his Super Bowl trophy.
Fields, at 25 years old, has a much brighter outlook as a potential future franchise quarterback. However, he needs to address and improve on some red flags before the Steelers entrust him with the starting role. Wilson has expressed a desire to finish his career with the Steelers, but his performance in 2024 will be the deciding factor. Burress believes the Steelers will be in the market for a new quarterback once the 2024 season ends.
“I really think that they are looking for a successor after this season. I don't see either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields being a future quarterback for the Steelers.”
Steelers Will Have To Make Some Big Decisions At QB After The 2024 Season Ends
There has been much discussion about the Steelers' new quarterback room, with many pundits debating whether Wilson or Fields is the better option. The Steelers appear ready to give Wilson the starting job, while Fields will have the opportunity to challenge for it. After the 2024 season, the Steelers will face important decisions regarding both quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh plans to address the quarterback position long-term.
USA Today
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with one of his former targets WR Plaxico Burress.
Burress, who has played with elite quarterbacks like Eli Manning and Roethlisberger, does not have much faith that the Steelers' future franchise quarterback is currently on the roster. The 2025 draft class has been linked to the Steelers possibly drafting a quarterback. However, how the 2024 season unfolds and Wilson's performance will heavily influence that decision.
Since Roethlisberger's retirement, the Steelers' offense has been historically bad. Wilson will be tasked with changing the narrative and proving he can still lead an offense at a high level at this stage in his career. Both Wilson and Fields will be significant storylines that the media will follow throughout the 2024 season.
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