Justin Fields is expected to serve as the backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.
If you know Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, there’s one clear reason why he’d bench Justin Fields in favor of Russell Wilson — he believes Wilson gives the team the best chance to win. Right?
In an October 20 article, NFL insider Dianna Russini (The Athletic) shared what she’s been hearing from around the league ahead of Week 7, including a noteworthy detail about the Steelers’ decision to start Wilson over Fields.
“One thing to consider that might be influencing this decision,” Russini wrote, “is that if Fields plays 51% of Pittsburgh’s snaps this season, the trade compensation to the Chicago Bears changes from a sixth-round pick to a fourth-rounder.”
Russini did clarify that she doesn’t “actually believe” Tomlin is considering this trade clause, but she added that “some people I’ve talked to around the league have speculated [the Steelers might be].”
“Above all, many around the league are questioning why Tomlin would make this move when things are going well,” Russini continued. “We’ll find out Sunday night if Tomlin proves to be smarter than everyone — or if this decision backfires, as some fear.”
Tough Matchup for Steelers, Russell Wilson vs. Jets
While Russini acknowledged that Tomlin deserves the “benefit of the doubt” due to his successful track record, she also highlighted concerns shared by her sources. One major worry is the upcoming game against the New York Jets.
“Some around the league have asked: If you’re going to switch to a quarterback who hasn’t taken a regular-season snap, why do it against a tough Jets defense?” she said. “The Steelers face the New York Giants next week — wouldn’t that be a better game for Wilson’s debut?”
The Giants aren’t necessarily an easy opponent either, with disruptive defensive linemen like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns. But the Jets present a challenging first game for Wilson.
According to Pro Football Reference, the Jets rank sixth in the NFL in pressure rate. They also feature savvy coverage defenders such as cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed (questionable, groin), along with veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley.
“Maybe the concern is that if Fields performs well against the Jets, the door closes completely on Wilson,” Russini speculated. She even noted that sources within the Jets organization are “pleased” with the Steelers’ quarterback change.
Steelers Must Have a Short Leash With Russell Wilson
Tomlin always indicated that Wilson would get his chance once he was healthy. Now, that moment has come.
However, the Steelers can’t afford to be inflexible with their quarterback situation.
Fields has already shown he can win games, leading the team to a 4-2 record over the first six weeks. If Wilson loses to the Jets on Sunday night, followed by the Giants, fans will certainly demand Fields’ return to the starting lineup.
In fact, the calls for Fields might begin if the Steelers lose to the Jets alone.
If that happens, Tomlin must be ready to hand the reins back to Fields. There’s no room for ego or stubbornness in this decision — and certainly no focus on potential trade implications.
