When Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after parting ways with the Denver Broncos, it was widely assumed that he would be taking over as the team’s starting quarterback. That was even true once the team added former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. But one prominent NFL insider doesn’t think that will necessarily be the case.
During a recent appearance on the Football Today podcast, ESPN NFL insider Field Yates made it pretty clear that he does not think Russell Wilson will necessarily be the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers to begin the season.
“It’s not a certainty that Russell Wilson is a starting quarterback in Week 1,” Yates told host Chris Rose according to the Steelers Depot. “Not a certainty at all. And words are simply words right now from the Steelers.”
Yates seems to think that Justin Fields will ultimately get the role over Wilson, even if it’s not the start of the season.
“I’m not gonna go as far as saying I bet on Justin Fields starting in Week 1. But there’s a real part of me that thinks it’s very much a possibility,” he said. “I just think at some point this season they’re going to have to give Justin Fields a look unless Russell Wilson’s playing unbelievable football.”
Obviously, there’s a lot of time before the Steelers even have to think about who their starting quarterback will be, but it’s certainly interesting to hear this perspective from a prominent NFL insider.