Analyst has tough call on Russell Wilson's future career

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Analyst has tough call on Russell Wilson's future career

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Sep 23, 2024 4:27 PM ET

Sean Salisbury didn't mince words when he hopped on Dan Patrick's podcast on Monday and was asked if he would start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.

As it turns out, the former player-turned-analyst perfectly summarized how a lot of talking heads feel right now: Wilson is officially over the hill.

"To me, Russell Wilson's best football is behind him," said Salisbury, who hosts "The Sean Salisbury Show" on Sports Talk 790.

"I've got nothing but respect for Russell Wilson's career. He played a little bit better in Denver, but there's a reason that Denver got rid of him and that Seattle moved on from him. I don't think he gives you a better chance to win."

"To me Russell Wilson's best football is behind him."

-@SeanUnfiltered explains why he'd stick with Justin Fields at QB after Russell Wilson gets cleared to play pic.twitter.com/Cty0whJbGX
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) September 23, 2024

Wilson has made a lot of headlines over the last 24 hours for a quarterback who hasn't played a regular-season snap yet. The chaos is, of course, fueled by how well Fields has played under center in his place, especially in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Salisbury isn't alone in thinking Fields is the better choice. CBS Sports commentators Jim Nantz and Tony Romo went so far as to say on air that Sunday's performance was a career-maker for Fields -- all but sealing Wilson's fate.

"This is Justin Fields taking a leap as a QB in a monster situation." - Tony Romo pic.twitter.com/tMLchjB1L1
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) September 22, 2024

"Biggest win of Justin Fields career?" - Tony Romo

"Yeah, you gotta think." - Jim Nantz pic.twitter.com/YNcHMyPY98
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) September 22, 2024

What the immediate future holds for Wilson remains unclear, especially since there is speculation he could be a trade target. As things stand right now, though, the overwhelming opinion appears to be that Wilson is not the guy to start.

"To me, you've got to earn the starting job -- I don't care how long you've been in it in order to keep it," Salisbury said. "And Russell Wilson hasn't earned the Pittsburgh Steelers starting job."

The Steelers visit the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4.

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