Oct 17, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before playing against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
PITTSBURGH — The NFL is a cruel business.
And one NFL is predicting an ugly end to the Russell Wilson-Steelers era.
During Tuesday’ episode of “NFL Live,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter discussed the quarterback’s one-year contract with Pittsburgh that’s worth $1.21 million. Schefter explained that he heard Wilson might be on the chopping block in training camp.
“There’s no commitment, obligation, loyalty to any of these guys,” Schefter said. “They didn’t pay much for either one of them. I even had an executive say if Justin Fields outplayed him, Russell Wilson, during training camp, they could see them moving on from him before the season.
“Think about the investment they have in each player. They essentially are giving Russell Wilson $1.2 million, while the Denver Broncos are paying him almost $38 million this year. Very little investment,” Schefter said. “They gave up a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for Justin Fields. Very little investment…They have the luxury of letting this play out during camp and doing whatever is best for that football team.”
Schefter added that an NFL executive from within the league believes that if Fields wins the competition and becomes the Steelers’ starter in 2024, the team could move on from Wilson before the season even begins.
The bombshell from one of the most respected insiders on the NFL landscape (according to Schefter).
Pittsburgh signed the 35-year-old on March 15 after the Broncos decided to eat $85 million in dead money. Because of stipulations in Wilson’s contract, he was able to sign for the veteran’s minimum in Pittsburgh.
Wilson is currently projected to be the Week 1 starter for Pittsburgh with Fields as the backup.
The Steelers currently don’t have a third quarterback on their roster.
