Hot Takes for Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Steelers Stars Ahead of Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a huge risk with their quarterback situation in 2024.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both come into the season off disappointing campaigns with their respective former teams.
Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff need to find the right fit in the starting role so that the Steelers can once again compete in the AFC.
Both players could be viewed as an upgrade over the previous quarterback setup, led by Kenny Pickett, but they have to perform better on the field to prove that.
If everything goes well for the 2024 starter, the Steelers could have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
It may seem like a reach to say that right now with no games played, but the potential is at least there for the Steelers.
Justin Fields Starts More Games Than Russell Wilson
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Fields and Wilson both underperformed in 2023.
That's why the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos were more than willing to move on from both of the quarterbacks this offseason.
Fields may be viewed as the backup in the Steelers' current quarterback situation, but he should end up as the better option in the starting role.
Fields displayed potential during his time on the field in 2023. He finished with a career high 2,562 passing yards and added 657 rushing yards. He had 20 total touchdowns across his 13 games played.
That's at least a good foundation for the Steelers to build off.
Although Wilson threw for 3,000 yards last season, it looked like the beginning of a decline more than the continuation of greatness.
Both quarterbacks will have opportunities to prove themselves as the starter, but it would be in the Steelers' best interest to start the younger option with more potential to get the most out of their offense to build for 2024 and beyond.
George Pickens Finishes in the Top 5 in Receiving Yards
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George Pickens should feast in the passing game no matter who the quarterback is.
The third-year player out of Georgia is now the Steelers' No. 1 wide receiver with Diontae Johnson now in Carolina.
Pickens turned in the first 100-catch, 1,000-yard season of his career in 2023. He is expected to build on those numbers in 2024.
He should have ample opportunities to build his resume as one of the NFL's top wide receivers because there is a significant drop off from him to the rest of the wide outs on the depth chart.
Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III all need to step up in supporting roles so that Pickens is not the sole focus of opposing defenses each game.
Pickens has fantastic one-on-one skills and possesses some of the best speed at the wide receiver position in the league.
It would not be a huge surprise to see him battling for the receiving yard title in December. He should at least finish in the top five with his role the way it is.
Jaylen Warren Cruises Past Najee Harris in Running Back Production
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The argument can be made that Jaylen Warren was the better running back than Najee Harris in 2023 and he should be the starter in 2024.
Warren ran for 784 yards and also caught 61 balls for 370 yards. Harris turned in his third straight 1,000-yard season, but he averaged 1.2 fewer yards per carry than his teammate.
Warren was drafted as support for Harris two years ago, but he could take his job in 2024 because he is better in the all-around game as a running back.
The Oklahoma State product already took over Harris' responsibilities in the passing game, and his rushing production in 2023 proved he is ready to shoulder the load of a No. 1 running back.
The change may not happen right away, but no one would be shocked come November if Warren receives more snaps and leads Harris in rushing yards given the way he skyrocketed into a reliable player in 2023.
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