On the newest version of the “Clear Pocket” podcast, former NFL head coach Jay Gruden shared an attention-grabbing take whereas explaining why the Pittsburgh Steelers ought to begin Justin Fields at quarterback over veteran Russell Wilson.
“I am going Justin Fields and I am not even blinking,” Gruden mentioned concerning the state of affairs, per Jeremy Pike of Steelers Depot. “I do not suppose they knew that he was going to be accessible, they usually obtained him for a steal. Russell’s had his day within the solar. He is been to a Tremendous Bowl. His days are behind him. Now, you add a man that may throw pretty much as good or higher than him and is a means higher athlete that is sitting proper behind him and who’s [25 years old].”
Many members of the NFL neighborhood mentioned they felt Wilson was previous his prime earlier than he signed a team-friendly contract to affix the Steelers at a time when some thought the Chicago Bears may get a third- or perhaps a second-round draft choose in return for Fields. Pittsburgh finally despatched Chicago a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft alternative for the 2021 first-round choice.
Outsiders might by no means know, for certain, if the Steelers would’ve signed Wilson had they recognized on March 1 that Fields would price so little in a commerce. Some have speculated over the previous few months that Fields is the higher choice of the 2 signal-callers to run the offense being put in by new Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and Gruden appeared to agree.
“In the event you’re simply saying, ‘Hey, let’s simply run the ball. Let’s simply throw 14 instances a recreation. Let him run the bootlegs. Let’s let him do the zone reads. Let’s let him do the quarterback-designed runs.’ Are you kidding me? I do not even suppose it is shut, personally,” Gruden mentioned about naming Fields the starter as an alternative of Wilson.
Longtime NFL insider Jason La Canfora stays unconvinced the Steelers have already got Wilson penciled in atop their depth chart no matter what crew insiders have mentioned. Smith insisted as not too long ago as this week that Wilson and Fields will compete for the QB1 job by means of the summer time, however whether or not or not that can really be the case shall be seen.
