It’s like watching rookie hazing gone wrong. That’s how one might describe the quarterback drama unfolding in Pittsburgh. With a Georgia-born, Ohio-raised quarterback leading the Steelers to a perfect 3-0 start, you’d think the Black and Gold had found their next Terry Bradshaw. But not everyone’s ready to engrave Justin Fields’ name on the franchise QB trophy just yet.

Former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman pumped the brakes on the Justin Fields hype train during today’s appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” Despite the Steelers’ surprising unbeaten run with Fields at the helm, Edelman isn’t convinced the young quarterback has earned franchise status just yet.

“I think it’s a better story than reality,” Edelman remarked, cutting through the excitement like a hot knife through butter. “It’s way too early to anoint and crown Justin Fields a guy that before this had what, seven, eight wins in his career? I don’t care with what team.”

Edelman’s skepticism isn’t unfounded. While Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, completing an impressive 73.3% of his passes for 518 yards, the former Patriots star wants to see more. “I have to see him in a got-to-have-it situation throwing the football for me to say he’s a franchise quarterback,” Edelman explained. “We haven’t seen that once yet.”

The Steelers‘ defense has been a force of nature, currently ranking first in EPA per play allowed. This dominance has allowed Fields to play a more controlled, point-guard style of football. But as any Yinzer worth their Terrible Towel knows, Pittsburgh quarterbacks are judged by how they perform when the chips are down and the game is on the line. As Colin Cowherd pointed out, “You’re a franchise quarterback when you have to throw, everybody knows you’re throwing, and you’re good at it.”

Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson Steelers’ QB carousel raging on

While Fields is making waves, let’s not forget about the elephant in the locker room: Russell Wilson. The veteran signal-caller was brought in with much fanfare but has been sidelined with a nagging calf injury.

Reports suggest Wilson’s injury is “no joke,” and his preseason attempts to play through it may have backfired. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that the Steelers “saw Wilson hold better command of the offense than Fields in the preseason,” but circumstances have thrust Fields into the spotlight.

Fields’ development has been evident. Against the Chargers in Week 3, he showed improved decision-making and accuracy under pressure. On one play, Fields scanned the full field, avoided old scrambling habits, and found George Pickens for a big gain. It’s the kind of growth that has Steelers fans seeing Lombardi Trophies in their dreams.

But let’s pump the brakes for a second. Wilson, despite his injury, hasn’t thrown in the Terrible Towel just yet. “I think Justin does everything well,” Wilson said to reporters, showing veteran grace. “He’s a talented athlete, a guy who’s smart, works hard, and we spend a lot of time together. … I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help him and us win these games.”

As the Steelers continue their unbeaten streak, the quarterback question looms large. Is Fields the future, or will a healthy Wilson reclaim his spot? For now, Pittsburgh is riding the hot hand, but in the NFL, today’s hero can be tomorrow’s backup faster than you can say “Immaculate Reception.”