Report: Russell Wilson turned down the Pittsburgh Steelers’ jersey number that was given to him.

According to reports, an NFL executive thinks the Pittsburgh Steelers may cut Russell Wilson this summer.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields replaced Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room this offseason. Even though it seems like both quarterbacks have a good chance of making the squad, the trades are generally seen as an improvement at the position.

Pittsburgh won’t have any long-term ties to either quarterback on the roster if it rejects Fields’ $25.664 million 2025 season option. Fields has a $3.233 million cap charge, while Wilson just owes the veteran minimum of $1.21 million this season.

It’s expected that Fields and Wilson will battle it out for the starting job throughout training camp because the Steelers have one of the least expensive quarterback rooms in the NFL. The winner of the quarterback competition, though, is apparently not guaranteed a spot on the squad for the regular season.

If Wilson can’t secure the starting position during training camp, an NFL executive fears the Steelers may cut him before the regular season, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, who made this revelation during an appearance on NFL Live.

“I even had an executive say if Justin Fields outplays Russell Wilson during training camp, they could see Russell Wilson, them moving on from him before the season. Like there’s a whole range of possibilities. We know that Russell Wilson goes in as the starter, but again, they’re going to let the competition play out and we’ll see where it goes.”

Wilson is the clear favourite to start at quarterback for the Steelers in 2024, as Schefter pointed out. This is something that the team is stating right now. Fields is highly regarded by the coaching staff and has the potential to become their long-term quarterback option, despite the fact that Pittsburgh got him first and initially stated he would be the starter.

Wilson’s problem stems from the deal he signed. The nine-time Pro Bowl selection accepted Pittsburgh’s minimum offer because he expected the Denver Broncos to foot the bill for $38 million this season. That also implies that the Steelers’ wage cap would be hardly impacted if he were released. In the unlikely event that he performs poorly this summer, the Steelers may let him move on from him. However, the team’s early confidence in him suggests he’s far more likely to remain on the roster.