Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and young talent Justin Fields contract extensions have become the talk of the NFL community these days. Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly of The Athletic has stirred up quite a conversation regarding the futures of both. With Wilson joining the Steelers in March on a team-friendly contract, there’s speculation about whether he will sign an extension before the season kicks off.
“He will become a free agent next year, and the Steelers could lose out on him, but their hands are tied,” Kaboly stated. “You don’t extend a 35-year-old quarterback before he takes a snap for you. The Steelers have to hope that, if Wilson has a solid 2024 season, his priority is staying with them.”
Will Russell Wilson Take Part in OTA’s?
Before landing in Pittsburgh, Wilson was on the radar of both the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants. Despite the competition, the Steelers secured Wilson and also made a strategic move by acquiring 25-year-old quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick.
It’s expected that Wilson will enter organized team activities as Pittsburgh’s QB1. However, Fields will have the opportunity to challenge for the starting position from training camp through the preseason.
Justin Fields’ Contract Situation
Pittsburgh declined the fifth-year option on Fields’ rookie contract, a decision that brings its own set of complexities. Kaboly believes the Steelers will attempt to sign Fields to an extension that would keep him under contract through the 2025 season.
“His shortcomings over his first three seasons don’t warrant a lucrative extension,” Kaboly remarked about Fields. “Still, if the Steelers use 2024 to determine whether he is the long-term answer at the position, they would lose all of their leverage by allowing him to hit free agency. The prudent thing to do is extend him now at a reduced price to ensure that he will be on the roster in 2025 without a huge risk to the salary cap.”
Strategic Extensions and Future Prospects
Kaboly suggested that the Steelers could follow a path similar to the Green Bay Packers, who replaced Jordan Love’s fifth-year option with a one-year extension after trading Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets last offseason. The Packers had the clarity of knowing Love would be their Week 1 starter barring any unforeseen issues.
Individuals within the Steelers organization are reportedly hoping Wilson keeps Fields on the bench throughout the upcoming season. Logic indicates that Wilson, who struggled during his two-season stint with the Denver Broncos, might prefer to remain with Pittsburgh if he can revitalize his career there.
Justin Fields Betting on Himself
On the other hand, Fields may aim for a significant payday if he thrives under Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Fields might decide to bet on himself and enter the season in a contract year, potentially leveraging a successful season for a bigger deal.
The Steelers find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the potential and future of Fields with the experience and immediate impact of Wilson. How they navigate these contract decisions will shape the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons, making this offseason one to watch closely.
