Steelers' Russell Wilson: Justin Fields Would Strike Fear in Defenses in 'Slash' Role

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a quarterback battle on their hands between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but if the veteran wins the starting gig, Fields could still make an impact in a Kordell Stewart-esque "slash" role on offense.

"Justin is obviously one of the most talented guys in the NFL," Wilson told Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "You know all the things he can do. The player, the quarterback that he is. He's dynamic. It's all about us winning. That's the focus. I think it would strike fear in some defenses, that's for sure."

Fields, for what it's worth, seemed open to the possibility of a "slash" role while speaking to Benz on Wednesday.

"When my name is called, I'll be ready," he said. "... In whatever capacity."

Stewart was one of the most famous examples of a quarterback playing such a dual role in the past during his time in Pittsburgh, but Taysom Hill is a recent example with the New Orleans Saints as well.

Hill's former teammate, future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, said during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show earlier in May that he would love to see the Steelers utilize Fields in unique ways (2:00 mark).

"Fields obviously has an incredible skill set, and I'm excited to see how Pittsburgh uses him this year," he said. "I would actually envision a situation where it's almost like a Hill-type package like we had in New Orleans. Wilson is your starting quarterback, Fields is getting 7-10 snaps a game. How problematic would that be for a defense?"

There's no doubt that Fields has established himself as one of the most dynamic running quarterbacks in football, rushing for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns in his short career. Where he's struggled is quickly diagnosing defenses and accurately delivering passes into tight windows instead of holding onto the ball and taking sacks.

His upside remains tantalizing. But his role in Pittsburgh is undefined as of yet.

"Justin is a franchise quarterback," Wilson noted. "He's a guy that can do a lot of amazing things. So, we have two dynamic guys that can do a lot of special things."

One of them is going to win the starting job, however. And if it's Wilson, it will be fascinating to see if the Steelers build out a slash-type package for Fields.