If you're already tired of the Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson debate, we have some bad news: it's not over. This may be one of the most interesting quarterback positions the NFL has seen in several years.
Both quarterbacks have the potential to lead the Steelers to big things in 2024. But both quarterbacks are also full of questions and reasons to doubt them.
Fields vs. Wilson: Who is Pittsburgh's best option?
The good news for the Steelers is that they haven't invested much in any of their quarterbacks. They also don't necessarily have to commit to either after this season.
However, Pittsburgh wants to win now, so where previous Steelers quarterbacks have failed in recent years, they want Wilson or Fields to succeed. So which one will it be? Let's take a closer look.
Russell Wilson case
Perhaps the best argument for starting Wilson is that the Steelers have nothing to lose if they give him a chance. The Broncos are paying most of his salary after cutting him, so Pittsburgh is getting him for next to nothing. This makes him a cost-effective quarterback with borderline Hall of Fame pedigree.
Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler and has twice led his team to the Super Bowl. In a division that includes Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, the Steelers need to find a way to get more out of this position than they have the past two years. With his track record, Wilson could be the answer.
The case is against Russell Wilson
On the other hand, Wilson's recent record over the past few years is indicative of an over-the-hill quarterback who can no longer perform at an elite level. Wilson's accuracy has been erratic over the past couple of years and he is no longer the runner he was earlier in his career.
He has gone 17-27 over the past three years. This dates back to his final season in Seattle, so Wilson's decline began before his move to Denver, raising questions about whether a change of scenery to Pittsburgh would be enough to turn his career around.
Justin Fields case
Speaking of a change of scenery, this is the biggest reason the Steelers should give Fields a chance. He's a former top 10 pick and is still only 25 years old. It's no secret that Fields hasn't had a lot of success in Chicago over the past three years, but he hasn't had much support either.
With a better supporting cast and a fresh start, Fields could still turn his career around and reach his potential. In theory, Fields still has a lot of upside and could still have a bright future, so it's worth giving him a chance before he becomes a free agent next spring.
The case is against Justin Fields
While some may see the glass as half full for Fields, it may just be a bust. After all, he had 38 career starts and won just 10 games. He hardly has more touchdown passes than interceptions and is often more productive as a runner than a passer.
If the Bears can't compete with Fields in the NFC North over the past three years, he's unlikely to be good enough to help the Steelers in the AFC North, so why bother using him as anything other than a backup?
Judgment
Surprisingly, Fields is Pittsburgh's top option right now and should be their starting quarterback in 2024. While Wilson offers more experience and potential short-term fit, there's nothing about what he's done over the past three years that suggests he can raise the bar. the team. The Steelers are a playoff-caliber team, especially in such a tough division. It might make them incrementally better, but not enough to make a meaningful difference in the standings.
Meanwhile, Fields still has the tools to warrant a full-season audition as Pittsburgh's starter. If he falters, the Steelers could be starting from scratch in 2025. But it's worth giving him a chance in a more stable organization where he'll receive more support. Ultimately, Fields will have to outperform Wilson during the preseason to earn the job. However, there is more value in giving Fields a chance to be the starter in 2024.
