Personnel evaluator discusses what Russell Wilson gives Steelers over Justin Fields

While quarterback Justin Fields helped the Pittsburgh Steelers begin the season with a 4-2 record, the Pittsburgh offense undeniably played better over the club's past two games with Russell Wilson serving as its QB1. 

For a piece published Friday, an unnamed NFL personnel evaluator spoke with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler about what Wilson provided the team over his first two starts. 

"The development of (wide receiver) George Pickens on offense is big — he's clearly more comfortable with Russell," that evaluator said. "Russell realizes he's not the mover he once was. But he can still run boots and get out of the pocket and make plays."

Over Pittsburgh's first six games that Wilson missed while recovering from a lingering calf problem, Pickens caught 26 passes for 363 yards and no touchdowns. With Wilson in the lineup for the Week 7 contest against the New York Jets, Pickens recorded five receptions for 111 yards and a score. He then had two touchdown grabs wiped off the scoreboard for different reasons in this past Monday's 26-18 victory over the New York Giants. 

Fowler added, "Most agree Pittsburgh needs to add a receiver (before Tuesday's trade deadline) to enhance the passing attack." Earlier this week, Fowler said that the Jets "are open" to trading veteran receiver Mike Williams and that Williams "is open to a trade." However, it's unclear if the Jets will now hold onto Williams after they improved to 3-6 via a win over the Houston Texans on Thursday night. 

Pickens' performances and the fact that the Steelers notched season highs in offensive yards gained over back-to-back games with Wilson playing over Fields suggest the one-time Super Bowl champion will remain the club's starter coming off the Week 9 bye. With that said head coach Mike Tomlin knows he could always go back to Fields as soon as possible during the matchup at the Washington Commanders on Nov. 10 if Wilson struggles. 

This Sunday, 6-2 Washington plays at the lowly 2-6 Giants. As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Commanders as four-point favorites for the game held at MetLife Stadium.