Why negativity about Steelers Russell Wilson and Justin Fields persists

It's pretty funny, really. In 2022, the Steelers signed Mitch Trubisky, and pundits and writers, like a hoard of cockroaches in a darkened room, all came out of the woodwork, claiming it was a genius move. His time as Josh Allen's backup made him a perfect choice. Also, some made predictions that Trubisky would lead the Steelers to another championship.

One analyst at CBS Sports called all starry-eyed supporters of Mitch Trubisky crazy, stating that Trubisky was nothing but a bridge quarterback. He got somewhat villainized for that. However, two seasons later, Mitch Trubisky has reprised his role as Josh Allen's backup in Buffalo after stinking up Accrisure Stadium worse than cows in a pasture. So much for the grandeur and glory, everyone thought Trubisky would have in Pittsburgh.

In 2024, all the so-called sports geniuses have returned since free agency began. Instead of praising the 2024 Steelers quarterbacks, well, they all seem to think Wilson, along with Justin Fields, will either louse things up like Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, hamstring the Steelers ability to acquire a new franchise quarterback a decade, or Omar Khan, the Steelers GM, had some secret plan in place in which signing these two quarterbacks was part of the plan to allow them to draft their real franchise quarterback.

Why All the negativity towards the Steelers quarterbacks

Well, the criticism might stem from the fact that everyone who initially thought the Trubisky signing was so great still has a bit of an egg on their face. That aside, everyone points to his age—okay, that's a fair point—and how bad the Broncos were in 2023 and 2022 and lays the blame squarely on Russell Wilson, but let's circle back to that in a moment. Shall we?

Perhaps some of Field's criticism is slightly more justified. A number one draft choice from Chicago who has failed to live up to his expectations. Hmmm, does that sound familiar? Except this time, we are not referring to Mitch Trubisky. Things never went how he wanted them to in Chicago, but you can not deny that he showed flashes of greatness in three years in Chicago. So perhaps his change of scenery to a team with a decent coach does him well.

Everyone overlooks that, on occasion, when a player changes teams, they get better. Case in point: Matt Stafford, who went from Detroit to Los Angeles and won a Championship; Alex Smith after the 49ers traded him to Kansas City; and you can even make a case for Jerome Bettis after being traded from the Rams to the Steelers. The point is that while success in Steel City might not happen for Wilson or Fields, the possibility for success exists, and that's something to be optimistic about.

Why the negativity is unjustified

Then, within all criticism, you have the myopic Denver fans, who never fail to provide a good chuckle. In an article by Lou Scataglia on predominantlyorange.com, he argued Bo Nix is already better than failed quarterback Russell Wilson. Really, how interesting. How many seasons has Nix played? Oh, right, he's entering his first season.

Also interesting is that Wilson failed the Broncos. It seemed like the Broncos stunk before Wilson arrived, but after he did, their wide receivers were either ineffective or injured; they had no running game, a failed defensive unit, and changed its head coach. Typically, coach firings occur because they have failed on multiple levels.

That was all Wilson's fault because? That's right, it wasn't. Then you have owners up there in the front office giving Wilson a monster contract before you could see if he would be your savior. Well, Pittsburgh, thank you for paying him to play for us this season. It's not Wilson's fault that the Broncos never gave him the needed tools to allow success in Denver. The Steelers at least have.

Then we have conspiracy theories. Another article floating around the web by LeeAnn Lowman, writer at SteelersNation.com, which, in fairness, she is only quoting Pittsburgh Post Gazette writer Christopher Carter. Nonetheless, the article states that Omar Khan singled Fields and Wilson out to acquire all the talent needed to eventually trade one or both to acquire the draft capital needed to acquire Arch Manning in the 2026 draft.

Undoubtedly, Omar Khan has proven his cunning and is good at his job as the Steelers' general manager; however, if that's his plan, the guy is a certifiable genius. Though, let's not put the cart before the horse.

Perhaps the Steelers signed Wilson and Fields because they both have potential talent and could resurrect their careers in Pittsburgh. Their signings bring a sense of hope and optimism, as the Steelers are only paying out about $14 million for both. Furthermore, the Steelers are not obligated to keep either in 2025.

It's just that Omar Khan saw a smart business opportunity and took it. Perhaps there is some risk, yet very little. Then, if both turn out to be mistakes, it cost them barely anything, and they can find a new quarterback in 2025. It's quite doubtful Omar Khan has some secret plan to use Wilson or Fields as a bridge to make an eventual play for Arch Manning.

If Wilson or Fields does rise to the occasion this season, at least they know what direction they need to go. In fairness, if the Steelers are 2-8 by week 10, well, the quarterbacks had their chance, let any of your criticisms fly at that point.