One NFL executive isn’t sold on the Russell Wilson-Steelers marriage.
During Tuesday’s installment of “NFL Live,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter discussed the quarterback’s one-year contract with Pittsburgh worth $1.21 million, and said 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, emphasizing the Steelers did not invest a lot to acquire the veteran signal-caller and backup Justin Fields. “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.”
Pittsburgh Steelers newly-signed quarterback Russell Wilson speaks with reporters during an NFL football news conference in Pittsburgh, Friday, March 15, 2024, in Pittsburgh.AP
The Steelers acquired Justin Fields in a trade with the Bears.Getty Images00:0303:52
Pittsburgh signed the 35-year-old Wilson in NFL free agency on March 15 after the Broncos decided to eat $85 million in dead money to get rid of him after two disappointing seasons.
Because of offset language in Wilson’s Broncos contract, he was able to sign for the veteran’s minimum in Pittsburgh, while Denver is set to pay him the $38 million they owe him for the 2024 season.
The Steelers only gave up a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for Fields in a deal with the Chicago Bears on March 16.
“Very little investment,” Schefter said. “… They have the luxury of letting this play out during camp and doing whatever is best for that football team.”
