Ex-NFL Coach Reveals How Steelers ‘Upgraded’ Their QB With $4.4M as Russell Wilson & Justin Fields Could Pose Threat in the AFC

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a daring move by trading for Justin Fields and sending Kenny Pickett packing, shortly after signing Russell Wilson. This move may well redefine the Steelers’ QB dynamic as the team has managed to secure two QBs with distinct skill sets for a combined salary cap hit that defies the market trend right now.

While many were quick to cast doubts on how this would work out for the two QBs as well as the Steelers, Erik Mangini, a former NFL coach, shared his take on this strategic decision, on the latest episode of the First Things First show.

Steelers set up to succeed with Russell Wilson?

Mangini suggested that the Steelers have significantly “upgraded” their QB room with an expenditure of just $4.4 million. With other quarterbacks like Zach Wilson costing the New York Jets $11.2 million against the cap and Marcus Mariota taking $6 million from the Washington Commanders, the Steelers’ combo deal seems like a fiscal masterstroke. Moreover, Mangini also touched on the developmental potential of Fields, asserting that this unique setup gives him a chance to grow and potentially exceed his current form.

And when one juxtaposes Wilson’s experience with Fields’ raw talent and versatility, the Steelers’ offense emerges as a multifaceted challenge for opposing defenses. “I would have a Justin Fields package. I would have a Russell Wilson package. Defensive coordinators have to get ready for both of them. It’s an incredible upgrade for them.” Mangini highlighted the dual-threat potential that the Steelers have acquired by bringing together Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. “However they classify him, but he’s got Super Bowl experience. He understands how to win,” Mangini said.

It’s a win-win for the Steelers, who could potentially become a dark horse in the AFC with such a calculated gamble. And Mangini isn’t the only one to think so.

Sam Acho backs Wilson and Co. as an ‘absolute threat in the AFC‘

Sam Acho recently waxed eloquent about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ robust roster, a squad he believes poses a formidable challenge within the AFC. He pointed out that they are a meticulously constructed powerhouse excelling in every dimension of the game. “Think about KBW on special teams, one of the best special teams players in the NFL,” he remarked.

But it’s not just about one player. Acho drew attention to the Steelers’ defensive might, a unit spearheaded by the formidable TJ Watt and buttressed by talents like Minkah Fitzpatrick. Acho said, “Then go to defense, we already talked about TJ Watt, haven’t mentioned guys like Minkah Fitzpatrick, some of the additions they’ve gotten in free agency as well.”

With the introduction of Wilson at QB, complemented by the strategic acumen of the HC Mike Tomlin, Acho believes the Steelers have all the right components in place. “All of a sudden you plug in that quarterback, and then you already have the head coach. It definitely makes Pittsburgh an absolute threat in the AFC,” Acho asserted. Once the 2024 season starts rolling, we’ll get to see if the Steelers could once again make the case for being a true dynasty team.