Russell Wilson Hints Justin Fields Isn’t On His Level

One thing about Russell Wilson is he seems to do everything in his power to avoid controversy, but he also seems to attract it. His teammates hated him in Seattle because they thought he was entitled. He had a difficult relationship with head coach Pete Carroll because of their differing philosophies about running the offense. His conduct in Denver didn’t do him any favors, asking for all sorts of commodities that fed into the picture of a quarterback more interested in his image than winning. His ego is well-documented.

Now, franchise quarterbacks are supposed to have borderline arrogant personalities. That is what makes them great. Still, that arrogance can get them into trouble at times. Wilson is currently trying to hold off Justin Fields in Pittsburgh as the Steelers’ new starting quarterback. It was recently brought up that the former Bears 1st round pick might do well in a gadget role similar to Taysom Hill and Kordell Stewart. Wilson embraced the idea, though it felt less like a nod of approval to Fields and more like him suggesting that role would serve him better in the long run.

In other words, he’s not a starting QB.

Russell Wilson was careful with his words but not careful enough.

It is evident that while he embraces Fields as a teammate, he still sees him as a threat. That shouldn’t be a surprise. Pittsburgh made it clear from the start that no job would be handed out. Both would get an opportunity to show why they deserve to start. Wilson gets the early nod because he’s a seven-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring. That doesn’t mean he’s safe. Fields could change a lot of minds if he performs well in training camp. By insisting the Steelers work him into that Hill-type role, Wilson probably thinks it improves the odds of him keeping the job that matters.

One wouldn’t blame him for feeling Fields isn’t on his level. The former 1st round pick is talented, but he hasn’t done anything of note as a passer in the NFL. Russell Wilson has multiple 4,000-yard seasons. He also beat Fields in their only head-to-head matchup last season, leading a huge 4th quarter comeback. They aren’t on the same level. Wilson nudging Fields to a different, less important role in the offense is a sign he feels the same, no matter what his careful wording suggests.