Steelers' Mike Tomlin Looks Foolish After Russell Wilson's Time In Pittsburgh Runs Out

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was feeling very good about himself after the first game of taking Justin Fields out as the starting quarterback and putting in Russell Wilson. Fields had only started due to Wilson's calf injury, and with Wilson back in the lineup, the Steelers' offense exploded against the New York Jets at home. Thanks to Wilson's arm and George Pickens' big plays, Pittsburgh dominated the Jets 37-15.

After the victory, Tomlin faced questions about the controversial decision to bench Fields, who had led the team to a 4-2 start. The question, posed by former wide receiver Brandon Marshall, probed the rationale behind the change, given Fields' success. Tomlin responded with his usual confidence, brushing off any concerns about the timing of the move and emphasizing the importance of making tough decisions.

In the postgame press conference, Tomlin ended his remarks with a poignant statement, almost in a self-congratulatory manner, bragging about how he was paid to make these difficult choices. At the time, his confidence seemed justified, but in hindsight, the decision has backfired. As Wilson struggled to regain form, Tomlin's earlier bravado now makes him look foolish, especially with the quarterback controversy continuing to simmer.

"That's why I'm well compensated," Tomlin said.

After the 2024 season ended, Wilson wasn’t the sole reason for the Steelers' historically bad late-season collapse, but he certainly didn’t do enough to stop the skid. His struggles were a key factor in the team’s downfall, and ultimately, the Steelers decided to move on from him. Beyond Wilson’s performance, there were reportedly tensions behind closed doors, particularly with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. The rocky working relationship between Smith and Wilson likely contributed to Pittsburgh’s decision not to bring Wilson back for 2025.

Though Wilson didn’t want to leave Pittsburgh, he ended up signing a one-year deal with the New York Giants worth $10.5 million guaranteed, with a complex incentive package that could bring his earnings up to $21 million. The guaranteed money, however, is where the Steelers' decision becomes clearer. They had the financial flexibility and a deep understanding of Wilson’s capabilities but ultimately chose to pass on bringing him back, deeming him not worth the guaranteed contract.

Now, the Steelers have shifted their focus toward 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is considering retirement or a potential move to Pittsburgh in 2025. The decision to move on from Wilson and pursue Rodgers speaks volumes about the Steelers’ desire for a quarterback who can elevate their offense and lead them to success, even if it means rolling the dice with a player at the tail end of his career.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin's Words Backfire In A Big Way

At the time, there was nothing wrong with what Tomlin said, but looking back now, it's pretty funny. At that moment, Tomlin was in Coach of the Year conversations, the Steelers were Super Bowl contenders, and Wilson was seemingly redeeming his career in Pittsburgh. It’s wild how quickly things can change in the NFL. Fast forward to today, and the Steelers are left with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as their quarterback options.

If the Steelers fail to land Rodgers, it’s going to look pretty bad that they let two affordable quarterbacks walk and are now relying on Rudolph—a player they’ve given multiple chances to but never been able to earn the starting job. This situation is a clear example of Tomlin needing to be held to the same standard as other coaches and players. 

While he’s a beloved figure, that comment now looks foolish. Of course, that could all change if Rodgers lands in Pittsburgh and leads them to end their playoff drought. Steelers fans will be waiting to see what happens at the most important position in football.

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