Steelers’ Wilson Unlikely to Be Cut Before Regular SeasonSteelers’ Wilson Unlikely to Be Cut Before Regular Season Despite speculation from NFL analyst Dakota Randall, Russell Wilson is expected to remain a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the regular season. Randall had suggested that Wilson could be considered for release if Justin Fields wins the starting quarterback job, given Wilson’s low salary. However, most analysts believe that Wilson’s experience and skills outweigh his salary. Even if Fields does win the starting role, the Steelers would likely keep Wilson as a backup and insurance policy. The team needs options at quarterback, especially considering Fields’ youth and potential for setbacks. Furthermore, Wilson is a proven winner with a track record of success. He is considered a better all-around quarterback than Fields and gives Pittsburgh the best chance to win. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Wilson will be cut before the start of the regular season. He is expected to be on the roster and taking the snaps under center when the Steelers open their campaign.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to hold a quarterback competition in training camp between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, with the former entering the game as the favorite based on comments made by head coach Mike Tomlin earlier this offseason.
However, one NFL analyst, Dakota Randall of Pro Football Network, thinks it’s possible Wilson won’t even make it to the start of the regular season as a member of the Steelers.
In an article that listed one candidate for each NFL team, Randall Wilson chose the Steelers, raising the possibility that the veteran quarterback would be fired if Fields won the league.
“At just over $1 million in salary, Russell Wilson is likely more valuable to the Steelers if he stays on the roster,” Randall wrote. “But the salary also makes him an easy one to cut, and if Justin Fields wins the starting QB job, Pittsburgh would want to cut Wilson to avoid a distraction.”
While Wilson’s low salary makes him an easy target to fire if things don’t go his way, the chances of that happening before the start of the season are slim at best.
Even if Fields wins the starting job, the Steelers would be wise to keep Wilson as an insurance policy in case the young quarterback underperforms or gets injured. Forget worrying about distractions, the Steelers need options.
But Wilson isn’t going to lose this competition to Fields, as he’s simply the better all-around quarterback and gives Pittsburgh the best chance to win. So, not only will he be on the roster in Week 1, Wilson will also be taking the snaps under center.
