The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to extend one of the two quarterbacks they recently added to the roster this week. The Steelers made multiple quarterback moves this week.
The Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a veteran minimum deal and made him the starter for the 2024 season. The introduction of Wilson as the Steelers’ starting quarterback irritated Kenny Pickett, so Pittsburgh surrendered the 2022 first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Pickett gone to Philadelphia and the other signal callers from last season on to other AFC clubs (Mitch Trubisky signed with the Buffalo Bills and Mason Rudolph signed with the Tennessee Titans), the Steelers needed a quarterback 2. They acquired Justin Fields by trading a conditional sixth-round pick to the Chicago Bears.
The Chicago Bears wanted Justin Fields to start again.
Ryan Poles, the Bears’ general manager, reportedly intended to trade Fields to the Steelers so Chicago’s former first-round choice could eventually start for Pittsburgh. Because of Pittsburgh’s quarterback dilemma, the Bears made an offer to trade Fields to the Steelers on Saturday in exchange for superior draft capital.
However, the Steelers look to be heading in a different way at quarterback than Poles anticipated when he made the trade. (The Steelers’ QB1 decision has implications for the Bears. If Fields plays 51% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps in 2024, the Bears will receive a 2025 fourth-round pick.
According to Gerry Dulac of KDKA, the Steelers “intend” to extend Wilson at the end of the 2024 season.
Russell Wilson signed a one-year contract with the Steelers for the veteran minimum after the Broncos offered him $39 million in 2024. But Wilson and the Steelers expect to sign a lengthier contract at the end of the season, according to sources.
One should take Dulac’s report to confirm that the Steelers have no intention of picking up Fields’ fifth-year option.
Does Fields have a chance of getting a contract extension?
Prior to the season, the Steelers appeared to believe Wilson was their guy. Fields is coming to Pittsburgh with a lot to show the Steelers staff if he wants to unseat Wilson.
Wilson has the opportunity to play the rest of his career in Pittsburgh. However, if he struggles again, as he did in 2022 in Denver, Fields may be given the opportunity to start.
If the Steelers are willing to discuss extending Wilson in the next offseason, will Fields have the same opportunity if he is given the chance to play in 2024?
The Steelers are dangling a carrot in front of Wilson before the upcoming season. They’re letting him know the job is his—and, more importantly, the job is his to lose.
Dulac’s report should give Fields hope if he can work his butt off in Pittsburgh this season. With Diontae Johnson traded to Carolina, it won’t be easy for whoever starts behind center in Pittsburgh. The good news: There’s a contract extension at stake.
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