Fields vs. Russ

[WindyCitySteel]

An anonymous source:



Leave it to the sad sack Jets to screw up a negotiation...

Leave it to the Steelers to cheap out on the most important position in the game.

[Eich]

Leave it to the Steelers to cheap out on the most important position in the game.

With the state of the team right now, I wouldn't blame them. Why over-pay for a mediocre QB when there are so many other problems to fix? Unless you're able to land a guy like Stafford, I'd get the cheapest of guys like Rudolph, Fields, Wilson, etc. and build the rest of the team until you can finally find a franchise QB via draft.

[The Standard]

Doesn't matter. Still need a QB.

[Northern_Blitz]

Leave it to the Steelers to cheap out on the most important position in the game.

I'd rather we pick Fields. But if he ends up getting something like $25MM / year, I don't know if it's worth it. Because he's not really that good.

With him, we'll probably stay in this 9-11 win, first round exit mode that we've been in.

Maybe the best thing for the team is to strike out on all of these QBs and be bad for a year. Although we were still in that 9-11 win range with Mason and Duck...so who knows...

[Eich]

I'd rather we pick Fields. But if he ends up getting something like $25MM / year, I don't know if it's worth it. Because he's not really that good.

With him, we'll probably stay in this 9-11 win, first round exit mode that we've been in.

Maybe the best thing for the team is to strike out on all of these QBs and be bad for a year. Although we were still in that 9-11 win range with Mason and Duck...so who knows...

As long as we play not-to-lose ball on offense, it seems like we can find ways to win 9 games. So, I don't see the point of paying $25M+ for that kind of play. Isn't Rudolph available? I'm certain he can win the same number of games as Fields. As could Kyle Allen and most rookie QBs from the draft.

I'd put the money elsewhere unless you're going to bring in a proven vet QB and completely open up the offense and go for it all.

The way the Steelers have been approaching offense, I wouldn't pay a large amount to a QB until we draft a franchise QB and he gets his 2nd contract.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I'd rather we pick Fields. But if he ends up getting something like $25MM / year, I don't know if it's worth it. Because he's not really that good.

With him, we'll probably stay in this 9-11 win, first round exit mode that we've been in.

Maybe the best thing for the team is to strike out on all of these QBs and be bad for a year. Although we were still in that 9-11 win range with Mason and Duck...so who knows...

I don't look at what will he cost vs. how many wins will there be this year with this guy at QB. I always ask when is the earliest this team can contend, and what are the chances this guy can be the starter on a contending team.

This is why I don't want Russ back. I don't see the Steelers as a serious contender in 2025, and don't think he's QBing a SB contender, even as early as 2026.

Fields is a mixed bundle of youth, inconsistency, and freakish athleticism. I don't see him as a likely QB on a contender right now, but much better chance than Wilson that he can become one. I'd be willing to gamble in the 2 year, $25-30M range with very little long-term commitment considering there are no other options right now, but I also won't be too upset if he chooses elsewhere.

[Northern_Blitz]

I don't look at what will he cost vs. how many wins will there be this year with this guy at QB. I always ask when is the earliest this team can contend, and what are the chances this guy can be the starter on a contending team.

This is why I don't want Russ back. I don't see the Steelers as a serious contender in 2025, and don't think he's QBing a SB contender, even as early as 2026.

Fields is a mixed bundle of youth, inconsistency, and freakish athleticism. I don't see him as a likely QB on a contender right now, but much better chance than Wilson that he can become one. I'd be willing to gamble in the 2 year, $25-30M range with very little long-term commitment considering there are no other options right now, but I also won't be too upset if he chooses elsewhere.

I agree that Fields has more upside of becoming average-to-above-average.

Which is why I would prefer him to Russ.

But I think they're ultimately about the same (though I'd prefer younger), and I'd be find with the cheaper option.

And if they're both too expensive, then I'd be OK trying to pick up a journeyman (Mason?) and see what happens.

Like you, I care about us getting to a point where we're truly competitive. My guess is that none of the QBs that will be available to us will get us there. So I'd rather build up the rest of the team than the QB position.