Many Inside Steelers Organization Frustrated With Mike Tomlin Over Russell Wilson; Wish He'd Stick With Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves in the 2024 offseason by acquiring two quarterbacks, beginning with veteran Russell Wilson and quickly followed by a trade for Justin Fields. Both quarterbacks bring intriguing starter experience to Pittsburgh.

Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl title, has had two underwhelming seasons with the Denver Broncos. In contrast, Fields was drafted by the Chicago Bears with hopes of becoming their franchise quarterback. After three seasons, however, the Bears decided to move on, leaving the Steelers with two quarterbacks eager for redemption in the Steel City.

A calf injury sidelined Wilson after he was named the starter, giving Fields the opportunity to step in. He seized the moment, leading the team to a solid 4-2 record. However, on Tuesday, Mike Tomlin hinted that he might return to Wilson as the starter. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, this decision has frustrated many within the organization, who believe that sticking with Fields is the better option.

"This is a decision that has not been made yet," Breer said. "I know some people there that feel like that Tomlin is gonna take this thing to the end of the week and really take a hard look at it."

Despite reports from the national media, the starting quarterback has not been officially named. In his press conference on Tuesday, Tomlin emphasized that both quarterbacks would be splitting first-team reps. While many interpret this as a sign that Wilson is the frontrunner, that assumption isn't entirely accurate at this stage.

Breer also asserted that many within the organization believe Fields offers more to the offense than Wilson can. Not everyone seems satisfied with how Tomlin has managed the quarterback situation.

"There are a ton of people in that place right now that feel like Russell Wilson would limit them on offense in a way that Justin Fields does not. Which I think is a big part of the reason why so many people there just wish that Tomlin would stick with Fields."

Fields has brought a dynamic element to the Steelers offense that they've lacked for decades. His mobility and athleticism make him a formidable rusher. There have been several instances where Fields has quickly assessed the play, realized that nothing is open downfield, and taken off for significant yardage, providing the offense with much-needed momentum.

In contrast, Wilson, at 35 years old and recovering from a calf injury, lacks that same mobility. Compounding this issue is the fact that he will be playing behind a depleted offensive line, which raises concerns about his effectiveness. 

Wilson's age, rust, and various other factors could make his starting role a potential disaster. However, as Tomlin pointed out, Wilson's experience could also open up opportunities in the passing game, offering a different dimension to the offense.

Steelers' Russell Wilson And Justin Fields Bring Different Styles To The Offense

The key question is whether Wilson can enhance the passing game enough that Fields' mobility and improvisational skills won't be necessary. If Wilson can deliver in that area, it makes sense to explore his potential; however, if he falls short, it could significantly limit the offense's effectiveness.

Tomlin appears eager to evaluate what the former Super Bowl quarterback can bring to the team. He recognizes that Fields has demonstrated the ability to win games and perform well. 

However, the focus isn't solely on Fields; it's about maximizing the current roster's capabilities, and Tomlin seems to believe that Wilson is the quarterback best suited to achieve that. Not everyone agrees with this approach, which adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing quarterback situation for the Steelers.

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