NFL Executive suggests Steelers could cut Russell Wilson with the addition of Justin Fields to roster

Wilson and Fields signed a very minimal contracts with the Steelers, keeping the options open for any sort of possibilities, even releasing either of them before the season starts.

NFL Executive suggests Steelers could cut Russell Wilson with the addition of Justin Fields to roster

(L) Russell Wilson and (R) Justin Fields (Image via IMAGO)

In a span of 10 days, the Pittsburgh Steelers went from Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph to Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the quarterback room. Not only that, but the combined cost for both players was a mere $1.2 million.

Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the opportunity to be the primary starter in the 2024 season. Justin Fields, on the other hand, agreed to stay as the backup and learn from the Super Bowl winner. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter heard from a Steelers insider that nothing is set in stone.

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The Steelers have the liberty to reverse the roles of the two QBs depending on their offseason performances. It’s important to remember that Wilson is only earning a little over $1 million; the majority of his income is being taken care of, as the Denver Broncos have to pay $38 million.

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As for Justin Fields, the Steelers only parted ways with a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick. However, it will see an upgrade if the Ohio State graduate plays 51% of his games in 2024. Keeping both scenarios in mind, the Steelers can play the waiting game, or based on their assessment in the OTAs, Fields may even end up as the starter. It’s a win-win situation for general manager Omar Khan.

They [the Pittsburgh Steelers] have the luxury of letting things play out during camp and doing whatever is best for football.
Schefter said during a recent segment of NFL Live.

Can the Steelers cut Russell Wilson?

Again, the Steelers deliberately agreed to a team-friendly contract. It keeps their options open because they aren’t spending the Browns’ level of money. Instead, the extra cap space is being used to lure in possibly Brandon Aiyuk.

NFL Executive suggests Steelers could cut Russell Wilson before season with addition of Justin Fields
Russell Wilson (Image via IMAGO)

That’s still a long shot, but as of now, the quarterback room is sorted. However, Schefter added that the Steelers will keep an eye on the performances of both Wilson and Fields. Moreover, there remains the possibility of even releasing any of the two (Wilson more so than Fields).

They didn't pay much for either of them. I even had an executive say that if Fields outplayed Russell Wilson during training camp, they could see them moving on from him before the season.
Schefter said

On the other hand, if the Steelers like what they see in the 35-year-old, then they may even extend his stay at Acrisure. However, that would mean heading into the 2025 season. Bob Labriola of Steelers.com revealed that if Khan does extend Wilson’s contract, then they would have to pay serious money.

If the Steelers decide to try to come to an agreement with Wilson to retain him for the 2025 season and possibly beyond, they're going to be on their own.
Labriola wrote

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette projected the amount would be around $19.9 million for the 2025 season. It all comes down to how both Wilson and Fields perform right out of the offseason.

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