The Pittsburgh Steelers completely revamped their quarterback room this offseason, signing Russell Wilson and then trading for Justin Fields.
While the general consensus is that Wilson will be the starter until further notice, a minor quarterback controversy has now ensued in Pittsburgh.
As a matter of fact, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark thinks Fields will end up supplanting Wilson at some point next season.
“I just think that eventually Justin Fields is going to get his opportunity to play, get his opportunity to start,” Clark said during an appearance on the All Things Covered podcast. “How long can Russell Wilson be the answer? They’re going to have to figure out who their quarterback of the future is, and Justin Fields being that answer solves a lot of problems. But you won’t know that he’s that answer if you shackle yourself to a ‘good enough’ Russell Wilson.”
Pittsburgh signed Wilson to a one-year deal, so theoretically, the Steelers could have Wilson play out the season with Fields learning behind him. Then, in 2025, they could turn the reins over to Fields.
But Clark seems to think the process should be expedited.
“I feel like if you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers, it has to be what you want to happen,” Clark said. “You have to want the younger, more talented person to eventually become the starter. The hard part is that maybe Russell [Wilson] never plays bad enough to not be the starter.”
Clark went on to say that even if Wilson is playing good football, the time may come where Pittsburgh wants more dynamic quarterback play, which could lead to a switch under center.
It’s important to note that the Steelers went 10-7 and made the playoffs this past year, so they will certainly prioritizing making it back to the postseason in 2024. If Wilson gives them the best chance to do that, they will probably stick with him.
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