Warren Sharp eviscerates Steelers for lack of succession plan at QB

[WindyCitySteel]

We’ve discussed all of this at length, good to see a national football guy lay it all out.

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/steelers-2025-quarterback-justin-fields/

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Warren Sharp ( not his real name ) is one of the sharpest minds of data. He is correct.

[NorthCoast]

What I gather from Sharp is basically the only reason for bringing Fields back is because he is cheaper. Wilson is the better QB.

amiright?

[Northern_Blitz]

What I gather from Sharp is basically the only reason for bringing Fields back is because he is cheaper. Wilson is the better QB.

amiright?

I think that's what many of us have been saying too.

That Wilson is a better QB. But that the QB payscale is crazy and the smallish difference in quality between these guys leads to a huge increase in pay.

If you look at those lower end QB contracts, here's how the go in order:

• Minshew @ $12.5MM
• Smith @ $25MM
• Mayfield @ $33.3MM

There are not contacts between these guys.

I think that Wilson is closer to $30MM and Fields will be between Minshew and Smith (my guess is probably close to $20MM, maybe more with unlikely to be earned incentives).

I think Wilson is better. But the difference in play is not $10MM better IMO.

And Wilson will likely be declining. While Fields may still end up getting better (or staying about the same).

[WindyCitySteel]

What I gather from Sharp is basically the only reason for bringing Fields back is because he is cheaper. Wilson is the better QB.

amiright?

The larger point is that they should have been serious about a succession plan in 2017.

["BuzzNuter"]

Shoulda, coulda, woulda, everyone can talk like this after the fact. Identifying quarterback talent is the hardest thing to do in football.How many teams had continued success after they lost their franchise QB? The only team I know is the Packers.

It's hit and miss, look at the last 10 years and 1st rd QBS. Perhaps Andy Reid has some insight into.qb evaluation but it's probably more luck.

[whatever]

Just draft one in the first round

[Eich]

Just draft one in the first round

We did that in 2022.

[WindyCitySteel]

Ed Bouchette piles on, compares Steelers to Browns.

https://steelersdepot.com/2025/03/sounds-like-the-cleveland-browns-ed-bouchette-slams-steelers-for-messy-qb-situation/

[WindyCitySteel]

It's hit and miss, look at the last 10 years and 1st rd QBS. Perhaps Andy Reid has some insight into.qb evaluation but it's probably more luck.

I’m guessing Reid and other offensive-minded coaches look at all the positive traits and come up with ways to maximize them while Tomlin only sees the negative and the risks and comes up with ways to minimize them.

Tomlin would have been a great insurance adjustor.