Steelers Considering Quarterback Change

CHICAGO — The Pittsburgh Steelers are contemplating a significant change at quarterback, potentially sidelining Justin Fields to make way for Russell Wilson. Even if Fields is benched this week, the Chicago Bears could emerge with a valuable fourth-round draft pick, thanks to strategic maneuvering during pre-season trades.

Wilson's Return

Wilson, who has finally bounced back from a calf injury that kept him off the field at the start of the season, is set to take first-team snaps in practice leading up to the Steelers' Sunday night clash against the New York Jets. The stakes are high as Pittsburgh seeks to improve their record (4-2) at Acrisure Stadium.

Tomlin's Decision

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin initially designated Wilson as the starting quarterback before the season began. However, when the injury flared up, Fields filled the role, leading to some mixed results. After evaluating Fields' performance, Tomlin hinted at the possibility of a switch, stating, 'Wilson is in consideration this week. We’ll see where that leads us.'

Steelers' Recent Performance

After a recent 32-13 victory over the Raiders, which broke a disappointing two-game losing streak, the Steelers are eager to build momentum. Fields managed to complete 14 of 23 passes for 145 yards while also contributing significantly on the ground with two touchdowns.

Bears’ Strategic Trade

In a surprising twist, the Bears traded Fields—once their first-round draft pick in 2021—to the Steelers on March 16 for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025. The interesting part of this trade is that should Fields play more than 50% of the Steelers' offensive snaps this season, Chicago will receive a valuable fourth-round selection instead. As of now, Fields has participated in nearly all of Pittsburgh’s 399 offensive snaps, aside from two plays during a loss to the Cowboys after a hard hit.

Fields' Snap Threshold

With Wilson now appearing poised for a comeback, Fields must play around 11 more quarters to ensure he meets the snap threshold for the Bears to benefit from the trade's conditions. At 35, Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback previously with the Seattle Seahawks, is eager to prove that he can still compete at a high level after being inactive for the season’s first five games.

Financial Aspect

The Steelers are only paying Wilson $1.21 million, as he had a substantial contract with the Broncos, who released him earlier this year. Wilson was expected to shine in training camp but was limited due to his injury, allowing Fields an opportunity to start—which he initially took advantage of with some impressive wins over teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers.

Concerns with Offensive Output

However, a string of losses, including a close game against the Colts and a defeat against the Cowboys despite solid turnovers, has raised concerns about the Steelers' offensive output. Currently ranked 26th in total offense and struggling to create explosive plays, Tomlin seems keen to see if Wilson can ignite a spark.

Fields’ Performance

Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, with a completion rate of 66.3% for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns against just one interception this season. He has also demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities by rushing 55 times for 231 yards and five touchdowns. Despite this, it appears that the urgency for change is sinking into the Steelers’ strategy as they aim for improvement in an increasingly competitive division.

Awaiting the Decision

Fans and analysts remain glued to the situation, awaiting an announcement that could dramatically reshape the dynamic of the Steelers and potentially benefit the Bears in their draft plans. Will the Steelers gamble on Wilson's experience or continue to ride the rollercoaster with Fields? Stay tuned!