The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an extremely interesting start to the 2024 season. Back in March, Russell Wilson was signed to a team-friendly, veteran minimum contract after the Denver Broncos cut ties with the signal-caller while still owing him nearly $40 million this year. The quarterback situation was turned upside down when Wilson sustained a calf injury at the very beginning of training camp. This paved the way for Justin Fields to showcase his abilities in Arthur Smith's offense. Now, the team is 2-0 and questions are swirling about which QB should be in charge if both are fully healthy.
Ashlee Rezin / Chicago Sun Times
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (left) and Ex-Chicago Bears signal-caller Justin Fields (right) meet at midfield following a regular season NFL game in Chicago, IL.
Wilson is still not at full strength and Fields is in line to start the Steelers' Week 3 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Insider Gerry Dulac reported not too long ago that this was the plan all along, but regardless of what happens in Pittsburgh on Sunday, the drama surrounding the quarterback position will continue. That has led to the interesting prospect of the Steelers entertaining trade offers for Wilson.
For starters, third-string QB Kyle Allen is a reliable backup, so the idea of dealing Wilson isn't too far-fetched. However, Wilson's contract has a no-trade clause. Let's go back to his deal with the Broncos. That had a no-trade clause as well, but it was waived by Wilson. No one took the bait because of his massive cap hit, which ended up with Denver releasing him; ultimately, landing him in the Steel City.
The same can be true with the Steelers. If Fields plays well once again on Sunday, and Wilson is fully healthy, there's nothing that can stop him from waiving his no-trade clause and requesting to be moved elsewhere. With how Pittsburgh had traditionally operated, this is an extremely unlikely scenario, but when you ponder it from Wilson's perspective, it could be the only thing he can do to save his career.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) stretch on the field as the team gets ready to practice during Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The right situation may not have presented itself across the league yet, but the Miami Dolphins are surely an intriguing potential destination. Tua Tagovailoa will miss at least four games after being placed on Injured Reserve, and it's possible that concussion specialists recommend he sit out the entirety of the 2024 season, similar to what Pittsburgh legend Sidney Crosby did back from 2011-2012 when he only played a total of eight games in 15 months.
Other scenarios across the league could pop up before September ends, and if Fields has a handle on the starting job, Wilson may be signing his ticket to be a backup for the rest of his career or retire at the end of the season. This is why every snap he gets in 2024 matters, and being a second-string quarterback certainly hinders the ability to prove to other teams that he can still do it.
Wilson is on just a one-year contract and will be a free agent in the 2025 offseason. Waiving a no-trade clause may be his best option for himself if he wants to play for several more years and a good situation pops up elsewhere.
It appears that quarterback Ryan Tannehill is still waiting for the right opportunity to come around as well, because he wants a chance to start for an entire season. Could the first development that presents itself leave a needy franchise with a decision to sign Tannehill or trade for Wilson? It's certainly possible.
Mark Zaleski / AP Photo
Former Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill meets with then-Broncos signal-caller Russell Wilson after a professional football contest in Nashville, TN.
Steelers Are Likely To Give Wilson A Chance
Regardless of what the fan base thinks, it's hard to imagine Pittsburgh not giving Wilson an opportunity to get the offense moving. Fields has been solid, and hasn't turned the ball over, but the unit has put up just 31 points in two games. The play-calling is certainly better than 2023 and previous years, but the execution has not been pretty. At the end of the day, Wilson can waive his no-trade clause if he so chooses, and that would immediately allow for him to be dealt.
Do you think that the Steelers would even consider trading Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
