Fields - not long term answer!

[Steelperch]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

I think ideally you run with Wilson this year and then sign him on a 3 year deal after that with the idea of moving up aggressively in the draft this year or next year to get his successor.

If Wilson doesn't reveal himself by the end of the seaosn to be washed AND you're willing to pay him $50M/per, I think this is the right strategy. I haven't really considered the cap ramifications of that, but if you can continue to pay your core guys and still pay QB1 top-dollar, that could work. But the successor QB has to play sooner rather than later so that you can have at least a couple of years of that rookie QB deal advantage.

I don’t think Russ commands $50 million given his advanced age and limited market. I also don’t trade Fields. You need a healthy backup that can win games. Besides, if Fields gets as much on the open market as you think he will, they will get a 3rd or 4th round comp pick for him, so why trade him at all?

[swissvale72]

Yeah, I think there's no way Steelers move on from fields this season. Simply put, should 35 year old Russ be injured, they know they can win with fields as well. And it's obv the two guys get along. Also, they're standing pat with the wr room as is....finally taking advantage of CA III and the speed he brings. And even van is showing up.

[K_C_]

Fields did a lot of good things during his short stint as starter.

I hated his slow starts but he played really well in most every second half and he was a machine in the red zone with his running ability.

He's 25, coachable, humble, a great teammate, loves Russell Wilson and wants to learn from him along with being a big motherfucker who runs like a deer and has a cannon for an arm.

If Fields truly ever develops consistent touch on his throws, he would be beastly. Dude prefers to throw everything 97 mph because he can, but we saw some beautiful touch passes from him at times. Fields has everything you want in a QB and is willing to learn.

They'd be crazy to part with Fields.

[Steeldrama]

I know at least a few of you are avid viewers of college football.

If you happened to watch Texas A&M qb Marcel Reed’s 2nd half performance against LSU Saturday night, you caught a glimpse of how I’d like to see the Steelers use Justin Fields.

Sure it was all the RPO and designed run stuff, but this kid was soooo dynamic and smooth.

There was one play inside the 10 in particular where Reed put the ball in Armari Daniels stomach and pulled it back at the last possible second causing the entire LSU front to commit to the back leaving Reed a clear path to the end zone. Fooled the camera man.

Just a fantastic red zone ground game by the Aggies' coaches that the Steelers should be stealing ideas from.

[Orangesteel]

I want nothing to do with JF after this season unless he is cool with a backup designation on the cheap.

He will never be a passing threat in this league. And he’s only going to get slower and more injured.

If you can squeeze two more bridge years out of RW until you strategically get the next guy then I’m fine with that. JF and RW are both great teammates. JF doesn’t see the field well enough to be a passing threat. He’s a perfect backup, though.

[Deebo]

I want nothing to do with JF after this season unless he is cool with a backup designation on the cheap.

He will never be a passing threat in this league. And he’s only going to get slower and more injured.

If you can squeeze two more bridge years out of RW until you strategically get the next guy then I’m fine with that. JF and RW are both great teammates. JF doesn’t see the field well enough to be a passing threat. He’s a perfect backup, though.

Exactly how I feel.

They tried the JF experiment and it was "good enough". But good enough just gets you NHALS and I'm tired of that.
With Russ I feel we could at least threaten to win a fucking playoff game.

[gojira5150]

Fields did a lot of good things during his short stint as starter.

I hated his slow starts but he played really well in most every second half and he was a machine in the red zone with his running ability.

He's 25, coachable, humble, a great teammate, loves Russell Wilson and wants to learn from him along with being a big motherfucker who runs like a deer and has a cannon for an arm.

If Fields truly ever develops consistent touch on his throws, he would be beastly. Dude prefers to throw everything 97 mph because he can, but we saw some beautiful touch passes from him at times. Fields has everything you want in a QB and is willing to learn.

They'd be crazy to part with Fields.

Agree 100%. We are not getting a franchise QB in this draft. This is a bad draft for QB's. They need to develop Fields. He does have some crazy traits. Which QB in this draft is better than Fields.

[bradshaw2ben]

I think ideally you run with Wilson this year and then sign him on a 3 year deal after that with the idea of moving up aggressively in the draft this year or next year to get his successor.

If Wilson doesn't reveal himself by the end of the seaosn to be washed AND you're willing to pay him $50M/per, I think this is the right strategy. I haven't really considered the cap ramifications of that, but if you can continue to pay your core guys and still pay QB1 top-dollar, that could work. But the successor QB has to play sooner rather than later so that you can have at least a couple of years of that rookie QB deal advantage.

I don’t think Russ commands $50 million given his advanced age and limited market. I also don’t trade Fields. You need a healthy backup that can win games. Besides, if Fields gets as much on the open market as you think he will, they will get a 3rd or 4th round comp pick for him, so why trade him at all?

If Tua has another head injury, I suspect Miami would be willing to make Russ the highest paid QB in the league. But, even if that doesn't happen, I can see there being at least a top 20 contract offer market for Russ, and that's $40M at this point.

[bradshaw2ben]

Fields did a lot of good things during his short stint as starter.

I hated his slow starts but he played really well in most every second half and he was a machine in the red zone with his running ability.

He's 25, coachable, humble, a great teammate, loves Russell Wilson and wants to learn from him along with being a big motherfucker who runs like a deer and has a cannon for an arm.

If Fields truly ever develops consistent touch on his throws, he would be beastly. Dude prefers to throw everything 97 mph because he can, but we saw some beautiful touch passes from him at times. Fields has everything you want in a QB and is willing to learn.

They'd be crazy to part with Fields.

Agree 100%. We are not getting a franchise QB in this draft. This is a bad draft for QB's. They need to develop Fields. He does have some crazy traits. Which QB in this draft is better than Fields.

If the Steelers are 25 or better and Cam Ward falls to around 9, you'll get better than a franchise QB.

[K_C_]

If Wilson doesn't reveal himself by the end of the seaosn to be washed AND you're willing to pay him $50M/per, I think this is the right strategy. I haven't really considered the cap ramifications of that, but if you can continue to pay your core guys and still pay QB1 top-dollar, that could work. But the successor QB has to play sooner rather than later so that you can have at least a couple of years of that rookie QB deal advantage.

I don’t think Russ commands $50 million given his advanced age and limited market. I also don’t trade Fields. You need a healthy backup that can win games. Besides, if Fields gets as much on the open market as you think he will, they will get a 3rd or 4th round comp pick for him, so why trade him at all?

If Tua has another head injury, I suspect Miami would be willing to make Russ the highest paid QB in the league. But, even if that doesn't happen, I can see there being at least a top 20 contract offer market for Russ, and that's $40M at this point.

Miami will be drafting in the top 10 and they now know (and should have known heading into this year) that Tua cannot be counted on as their present and future franchise QB.

They will have their choice of one of the top QB's in this draft and will (unless they're dumb as shit) take that QB in the first round. Hell, there's half a season left for Tua to get his bell rung again and decide it's time to hang 'em up. That's a very real possibility.

The most likely scenario is the Tua is QB1 and first round draft choice is QB2 opening day in Miami. If they opt to go the free agent route, it's going to be a guy who is willing to wait his turn behind Tua and that sure as hell isn't going to be Russell Wilson. Absolutely no chance he ends up in Miami.

Justin Fields is a possibility, but no way Russ leaves the situation he's in now. Russ isn't playing for a big money contract anymore. He's had those and Denver is still paying him a boatload of cash. Russ is playing for his legacy and hopefully for him (and us) a gold jacket and if he gets the Steelers to the Super Bowl, he's a shoe-in.

Russ isn't stupid, especially after what went down in Denver. If he keeps playing as well as he is right now, guaranteed he'll be back in Pittsburgh on a 2 or 3 year deal.

[Orangesteel]

Tomlin loves Wilson. Absolutely loves him. Watch the clip right after Wilson dropped that rainbow ball into Austin’s front pocket.

Tomlin isn’t interested in developing the next QB. He might have found his partner in Wilson to finish his coaching tenure in Pittsburgh.

Russell Wilson works harder than any QB in the league, let alone a dude who is 35 years old. He trains like a MFer. He still wants to play into his 40s.

You sign him to a 3 year deal in the offseason. You also sign Pickens and consider drafting a WR in the first round next season; maybe an elite TE.

Then the offense and OLine will be set. Tomlin coaches 2-3 more seasons with Wilson and him trying to win the 7th ring.

Then the new regime starts after that. Sounds fun to me. I’ll tune in.

[K_C_]

Tomlin loves Wilson. Absolutely loves him. Watch the clip right after Wilson dropped that rainbow ball into Austin’s front pocket.

Tomlin isn’t interested in developing the next QB. He might have found his partner in Wilson to finish his coaching tenure in Pittsburgh.

Russell Wilson works harder than any QB in the league, let alone a dude who is 35 years old. He trains like a MFer. He still wants to play into his 40s.

You sign him to a 3 year deal in the offseason. You also sign Pickens and consider drafting a WR in the first round next season; maybe an elite TE.

Then the offense and OLine will be set. Tomlin coaches 2-3 more seasons with Wilson and him trying to win the 7th ring.

Then the new regime starts after that. Sounds fun to me. I’ll tune in.

I agree with you that Tomlin loves Wilson but after what Wilson went through in Denver, with Sean Payton trying to play hard ass tough love coach with Russ, Wilson loves Tomlin a whole lot more than Cool Shades loves Russ.

Russ absolutely LOVES the situation he's in and you're right. Pickens will get paid, a WR will be drafted early (probably first round), Najee will likely be re-signed and they'll add a defensive lineman early in the draft too.

This could be a contending team with very few weaknesses for the next 3 or 4 years.

[Deebo]

Tomlin loves Wilson. Absolutely loves him. Watch the clip right after Wilson dropped that rainbow ball into Austin’s front pocket.

Tomlin isn’t interested in developing the next QB. He might have found his partner in Wilson to finish his coaching tenure in Pittsburgh.

Russell Wilson works harder than any QB in the league, let alone a dude who is 35 years old. He trains like a MFer. He still wants to play into his 40s.

You sign him to a 3 year deal in the offseason. You also sign Pickens and consider drafting a WR in the first round next season; maybe an elite TE.

Then the offense and OLine will be set. Tomlin coaches 2-3 more seasons with Wilson and him trying to win the 7th ring.

Then the new regime starts after that. Sounds fun to me. I’ll tune in.

I agree with you that Tomlin loves Wilson but after what Wilson went through in Denver, with Sean Payton trying to play hard ass tough love coach with Russ, Wilson loves Tomlin a whole lot more than Cool Shades loves Russ.

Russ absolutely LOVES the situation he's in and you're right. Pickens will get paid, a WR will be drafted early (probably first round), Najee will likely be re-signed and they'll add a defensive lineman early in the draft too.

This could be a contending team with very few weaknesses for the next 3 or 4 years.

I think they need to look at RB. Not 1st round mind you, but early on if you can get a Gibbs or B Robinson type.

DT/WR/RB should all be heavily considered with the first few picks.

[K_C_]

Tomlin loves Wilson. Absolutely loves him. Watch the clip right after Wilson dropped that rainbow ball into Austin’s front pocket.

Tomlin isn’t interested in developing the next QB. He might have found his partner in Wilson to finish his coaching tenure in Pittsburgh.

Russell Wilson works harder than any QB in the league, let alone a dude who is 35 years old. He trains like a MFer. He still wants to play into his 40s.

You sign him to a 3 year deal in the offseason. You also sign Pickens and consider drafting a WR in the first round next season; maybe an elite TE.

Then the offense and OLine will be set. Tomlin coaches 2-3 more seasons with Wilson and him trying to win the 7th ring.

Then the new regime starts after that. Sounds fun to me. I’ll tune in.

I agree with you that Tomlin loves Wilson but after what Wilson went through in Denver, with Sean Payton trying to play hard ass tough love coach with Russ, Wilson loves Tomlin a whole lot more than Cool Shades loves Russ.

Russ absolutely LOVES the situation he's in and you're right. Pickens will get paid, a WR will be drafted early (probably first round), Najee will likely be re-signed and they'll add a defensive lineman early in the draft too.

This could be a contending team with very few weaknesses for the next 3 or 4 years.

I think they need to look at RB. Not 1st round mind you, but early on if you can get a Gibbs or B Robinson type.

DT/WR/RB should all be heavily considered with the first few picks.

I 100% agree but Najee is proving himself in a contract year and I think they will try and keep him. If they fail you'll see a back drafted in the top 3 Steelers picks. With Warren getting plenty of work and if Harris is back, I seriously doubt they will see RB as the same type of need that we see it, but hell yes I would love to see a Gibbs type home run hitter who can go 89 yards in a blink.

[Deebo]

I agree with you that Tomlin loves Wilson but after what Wilson went through in Denver, with Sean Payton trying to play hard ass tough love coach with Russ, Wilson loves Tomlin a whole lot more than Cool Shades loves Russ.

Russ absolutely LOVES the situation he's in and you're right. Pickens will get paid, a WR will be drafted early (probably first round), Najee will likely be re-signed and they'll add a defensive lineman early in the draft too.

This could be a contending team with very few weaknesses for the next 3 or 4 years.

I think they need to look at RB. Not 1st round mind you, but early on if you can get a Gibbs or B Robinson type.

DT/WR/RB should all be heavily considered with the first few picks.

I 100% agree but Najee is proving himself in a contract year and I think they will try and keep him. If they fail you'll see a back drafted in the top 3 Steelers picks. With Warren getting plenty of work and if Harris is back, I seriously doubt they will see RB as the same type of need that we see it, but hell yes I would love to see a Gibbs type home run hitter who can go 89 yards in a blink.

I'm not sold on Harris at all. His last few games have involved the other team flat out quitting in the 2nd half and last night was a defense that sucks against the run.

People are only pimping Harris bc he looks MUCH better than he had been. And even his "much better" results put him into the average NFL back category.

He's functional like the tires on my car. He's just there. While Warren is coming back from injury, I'm positive he could do just as well with the same opportunities. You do not commit cap space on a C2 contract for RB's. The value just isn't there unless you have an All Pro back like CMC or Kamara

[K_C_]

I think they need to look at RB. Not 1st round mind you, but early on if you can get a Gibbs or B Robinson type.

DT/WR/RB should all be heavily considered with the first few picks.

I 100% agree but Najee is proving himself in a contract year and I think they will try and keep him. If they fail you'll see a back drafted in the top 3 Steelers picks. With Warren getting plenty of work and if Harris is back, I seriously doubt they will see RB as the same type of need that we see it, but hell yes I would love to see a Gibbs type home run hitter who can go 89 yards in a blink.

I'm not sold on Harris at all. His last few games have involved the other team flat out quitting in the 2nd half and last night was a defense that sucks against the run.

People are only pimping Harris bc he looks MUCH better than he had been. And even his "much better" results put him into the average NFL back category.

He's functional like the tires on my car. He's just there. While Warren is coming back from injury, I'm positive he could do just as well with the same opportunities. You do not commit cap space on a C2 contract for RB's. The value just isn't there unless you have an All Pro back like CMC or Kamara

Nah, I disagree. Obviously Harris isn't Derrick Henry in his prime but he's a very good and reliable RB who also doesn't fumble. I assure you the Steelers like Harris a lot more than most on Fury do despite not picking up his option.

He has had to struggle through the end of Ben years along with Kenny, Mason and Mitch and with Fields not exactly being a major passing threat yet.

Sure, I wish Najee was more of a home run hitter, but he's a very, very good NFL running back and there is no doubt the Steelers try and keep him.

[gojira5150]

Fields did a lot of good things during his short stint as starter.

I hated his slow starts but he played really well in most every second half and he was a machine in the red zone with his running ability.

He's 25, coachable, humble, a great teammate, loves Russell Wilson and wants to learn from him along with being a big motherfucker who runs like a deer and has a cannon for an arm.

If Fields truly ever develops consistent touch on his throws, he would be beastly. Dude prefers to throw everything 97 mph because he can, but we saw some beautiful touch passes from him at times. Fields has everything you want in a QB and is willing to learn.

They'd be crazy to part with Fields.

Agree 100%. We are not getting a franchise QB in this draft. This is a bad draft for QB's. They need to develop Fields. He does have some crazy traits. Which QB in this draft is better than Fields.

If the Steelers are 25 or better and Cam Ward falls to around 9, you'll get better than a franchise QB.

I agree. I like Cam Ward (Dude can ball). If the Steelers are picking 20-25 do you believe there's a realistic chance the Steelers would jump into the top 10 to get Ward (if he starts to slip). How much would they have to give up to make that move. I don't think they would do that and just roll with JF.

[franco32]

QBs have become way overvalued in the NFL Draft. No way Cam Ward falls into our lap (barring our season crashing and we trade up).

But, there is also no way we spend money on both Wilson and Fields (again unless Fields signs really cheap). It's going to be Wilson and some rookie we reach for (Sanders, Allar?)

[Dan Smith--BYU]

They have the best QB situation they've had since Ben/Batch. Fever dreams about the latest hot college QB right now are dumb.

[K_C_]

QBs have become way overvalued in the NFL Draft. No way Cam Ward falls into our lap (barring our season crashing and we trade up).

But, there is also no way we spend money on both Wilson and Fields (again unless Fields signs really cheap). It's going to be Wilson and some rookie we reach for (Sanders, Allar?)

We are not a Quarterback-centric team.

[Stallworth16]

Fields did a lot of good things during his short stint as starter.

I hated his slow starts but he played really well in most every second half and he was a machine in the red zone with his running ability.

He's 25, coachable, humble, a great teammate, loves Russell Wilson and wants to learn from him along with being a big motherfucker who runs like a deer and has a cannon for an arm.

If Fields truly ever develops consistent touch on his throws, he would be beastly. Dude prefers to throw everything 97 mph because he can, but we saw some beautiful touch passes from him at times. Fields has everything you want in a QB and is willing to learn.

They'd be crazy to part with Fields.

This.

[bradshaw2ben]

Agree 100%. We are not getting a franchise QB in this draft. This is a bad draft for QB's. They need to develop Fields. He does have some crazy traits. Which QB in this draft is better than Fields.

If the Steelers are 25 or better and Cam Ward falls to around 9, you'll get better than a franchise QB.

I agree. I like Cam Ward (Dude can ball). If the Steelers are picking 20-25 do you believe there's a realistic chance the Steelers would jump into the top 10 to get Ward (if he starts to slip). How much would they have to give up to make that move. I don't think they would do that and just roll with JF.

Chiefs made the AFCCG, had a pro bowl QB, earned the 25th pick, and traded that pick, their 3rd rounder, plus the next year's 1st to move up to #10.

[bradshaw2ben]

QBs have become way overvalued in the NFL Draft. No way Cam Ward falls into our lap (barring our season crashing and we trade up).

But, there is also no way we spend money on both Wilson and Fields (again unless Fields signs really cheap). It's going to be Wilson and some rookie we reach for (Sanders, Allar?)

Did Mahomes fall into the Chiefs' lap?

[SteelerDayTrader]

Steelers sign Wilson and draft DJ U in the 6th

[franco32]

QBs have become way overvalued in the NFL Draft. No way Cam Ward falls into our lap (barring our season crashing and we trade up).

But, there is also no way we spend money on both Wilson and Fields (again unless Fields signs really cheap). It's going to be Wilson and some rookie we reach for (Sanders, Allar?)

Did Mahomes fall into the Chiefs' lap?

He did. But there are two differences. Mahomes (wrongfully) wasn't viewed as the top QB in the draft and the NFL is overdrafting QBs at alarming rates in recent years. Hard to believe Cam will drop to 9 or 10. Carolina will not let him get by their pick.

[LakecrestSteeler]

I 100% agree but Najee is proving himself in a contract year and I think they will try and keep him. If they fail you'll see a back drafted in the top 3 Steelers picks. With Warren getting plenty of work and if Harris is back, I seriously doubt they will see RB as the same type of need that we see it, but hell yes I would love to see a Gibbs type home run hitter who can go 89 yards in a blink.

I'm not sold on Harris at all. His last few games have involved the other team flat out quitting in the 2nd half and last night was a defense that sucks against the run.

People are only pimping Harris bc he looks MUCH better than he had been. And even his "much better" results put him into the average NFL back category.

He's functional like the tires on my car. He's just there. While Warren is coming back from injury, I'm positive he could do just as well with the same opportunities. You do not commit cap space on a C2 contract for RB's. The value just isn't there unless you have an All Pro back like CMC or Kamara

Nah, I disagree. Obviously Harris isn't Derrick Henry in his prime but he's a very good and reliable RB who also doesn't fumble. I assure you the Steelers like Harris a lot more than most on Fury do despite not picking up his option.

He has had to struggle through the end of Ben years along with Kenny, Mason and Mitch and with Fields not exactly being a major passing threat yet.

Sure, I wish Najee was more of a home run hitter, but he's a very, very good NFL running back and there is no doubt the Steelers try and keep him.

This times 100. Let’s not forget we went through the wilderness a bit on RBs before Harris. He is a victim of QB play and when the QB plays well he is a Toyota Tundra. He is the one thing on the whole damn team where you can relax and see competence and not have to worry. Could he be faster yes. More of a passing g threat? Yes. But he is still a damn good back.


Nobody answered the question on Fields injury. Is that an agent hamstring injury to keep him out of WR, wildcat play and qb play without a week of running with the ones?

Also @Orangesteel once Tomlin finishes with Russ, I hate to break it to you, Tomlin and possibly Rooney will see winningest coach in the NFL on the horizon which will be close to under a decade at that point.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

If any team drafts DJU they should be relegated to the CFL.

[bradshaw2ben]

QBs have become way overvalued in the NFL Draft. No way Cam Ward falls into our lap (barring our season crashing and we trade up).

But, there is also no way we spend money on both Wilson and Fields (again unless Fields signs really cheap). It's going to be Wilson and some rookie we reach for (Sanders, Allar?)

Did Mahomes fall into the Chiefs' lap?

He did. But there are two differences. Mahomes (wrongfully) wasn't viewed as the top QB in the draft and the NFL is overdrafting QBs at alarming rates in recent years. Hard to believe Cam will drop to 9 or 10. Carolina will not let him get by their pick.

The similarities between 2017 and 2025 draft class are everywhere. Mahomes wasn’t viewed as even the top QB prospect, let alone top prospect. After last year’s QB draft, I think several teams are not going to draft Aqaba as high as before. But we’ll see.

[Pabst]

Nah, I disagree. Obviously Harris isn't Derrick Henry in his prime but he's a very good and reliable RB who also doesn't fumble. I assure you the Steelers like Harris a lot more than most on Fury do despite not picking up his option.

He has had to struggle through the end of Ben years along with Kenny, Mason and Mitch and with Fields not exactly being a major passing threat yet.

Sure, I wish Najee was more of a home run hitter, but he's a very, very good NFL running back and there is no doubt the Steelers try and keep him.

The fumble thing is (to me) a key part of the Harris vs Warren debate. Warren has just as many fumbles in his career (5), but with >700 fewer touches. That's a problem.

I like Warren, don't get me wrong, but i just don't see him as a feature back. He needs to be a #2 or part of a committee.

[K_C_]

Nah, I disagree. Obviously Harris isn't Derrick Henry in his prime but he's a very good and reliable RB who also doesn't fumble. I assure you the Steelers like Harris a lot more than most on Fury do despite not picking up his option.

He has had to struggle through the end of Ben years along with Kenny, Mason and Mitch and with Fields not exactly being a major passing threat yet.

Sure, I wish Najee was more of a home run hitter, but he's a very, very good NFL running back and there is no doubt the Steelers try and keep him.

The fumble thing is (to me) a key part of the Harris vs Warren debate. Warren has just as many fumbles in his career (5), but with >700 fewer touches. That's a problem.

I like Warren, don't get me wrong, but i just don't see him as a feature back. He needs to be a #2 or part of a committee.

Warren will never, ever be the feature back in Pittsburgh on a Tomlin coached team. Absolutely no chance. Frankly, I don't think Warren would hold up as the feature back in any offense and in that rain soaked game in Baltimore that Mason Almighty won to help the Steelers make the playoffs, Warren fumbled nearly every time he touched the ball or damn near did.

Harris is a good running back. A very good running back. He isn't great, but he's very good and reliable. Warren will always be the change of pace guy in Pittsburgh, whether Najee stays or goes.