OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: New Quarter Backs for the Handball team!

[Empoleon8771]

There is almost zero chance this team takes a QB in the 2025 draft, they're not going to move on from both Fields and Wilson without giving each a year to see if they can start. At minimum, you're probably looking at Wilson in 2024 and Fields in 2025 as the starter. If Wilson is good, I think he'll get 2 or 3 years here.

LE is the #1 need in my eyes in the draft next year, even if they give Heyward a multi-year deal.

 

[WickedWrister]

There is almost zero chance this team takes a QB in the 2025 draft, they're not going to move on from both Fields and Wilson without giving each a year to see if they can start. At minimum, you're probably looking at Wilson in 2024 and Fields in 2025 as the starter. If Wilson is good, I think he'll get 2 or 3 years here.

LE is the #1 need in my eyes in the draft next year, even if they give Heyward a multi-year deal.

Not sure that I agree with that take re: the QB's, at least not right now as neither are signed beyond this year. You don't think Wilson wanted a multi-year deal? Both him and Fields are pretty firmly in the "prove it" camp to me at least.

I think if Wilson can give you league average QB play and we finish with something like 9-10 wins, then the scenario you outlined is realistic.

I don't even know what the framework of a Justin Fields extension would look like right now. If I were him I would probably be inclined to hit FA and test my chances rather than get locked down for another year at a backup QB type number, but this is total conjecture.

It's a lame answer, but we need to see how they play this year before I'm going to think about anything long term. If we stumble even a little, like 7 wins, that's a top 10 pick and everything would be on the table. Would not cost as much to move into the top 5 at that point.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Not sure that I agree with that take re: the QB's, at least not right now as neither are signed beyond this year. You don't think Wilson wanted a multi-year deal? Both him and Fields are pretty firmly in the "prove it" camp to me at least.

They're not signed but I don't see any reason to think the Steelers traded for Fields just for him to be a backup for 1 year.

 

[WickedWrister]

They're not signed but I don't see any reason to think the Steelers traded for Fields just for him to be a backup for 1 year.

I think they would probably like to do business beyond this year, but a conditional 6th round pick is a pittance. It's the same amount we paid for 1 year of Joe Schobert.

It's just hard for me to imagine a scenario (barring injury to Russ) where he gets enough playing time to command a big contract that would prevent us from drafting/signing another QB. But again I think this all comes down to where we finish in the standings.

 

[Ryder71]

I think they would probably like to do business beyond this year, but a conditional 6th round pick is a pittance. It's the same amount we paid for 1 year of Joe Schobert.

It's just hard for me to imagine a scenario (barring injury to Russ) where he gets enough playing time to command a big contract that would prevent us from drafting/signing another QB. But again I think this all comes down to where we finish in the standings.

Just because we got him for a sixth doesn't mean the brain trust doesn't view him more highly. You wanna give up the least assets possible, doesn't mean he internally is viewed to have minimum value. Pickett was a 1st rounder yet is value has plummeted. I consider Fields a significant upgrade over Pickett. I'd absolutely be inclined to a do a bridge deal provided he doesn't completely soil the bed at TC. Either way you cover your bases, as a starter moving forward or as a quality back up. No lose scenario.

 

[WickedWrister]

Just because we got him for a sixth doesn't mean the brain trust doesn't view him more highly. You wanna give up the least assets possible, doesn't mean he internally is viewed to have minimum value. Pickett was a 1st rounder yet is value has plummeted. I consider Fields a significant upgrade over Pickett. I'd absolutely be inclined to a do a bridge deal provided he doesn't completely soil the bed at TC. Either way you cover your bases, as a starter moving forward or as a quality back up. No lose scenario.

I think the Steelers are likely intrigued by his potential but beyond that I'd be in wait and see mode. They paid the absolute bare minimum for him, declined his 5th year option, and Tomlin went out of his way to declare him the #2 before he had even arrived in Pittsburgh.

I agree he's an upgrade over Kenny, but both of their values have plummeted (compared to original draft capital) due to poor play.

What would a Fields extension even look like? Like Drew Lock-esque 5m per?

 

[Peat]

I don't think it's likely the Steelers pick a QB but one unexpected collapse, one season ender for TJ Watt, and they're picking high and have to consider it regardless -

And it's not hard to construct a scenario where injury or poor play means Wilson and Fields both blow chances next season and we're back to square one.

I'm sure the Steelers would like one of Wilson or Fields to be QB1 next season. But that's not a done deal and right now the contract status says the Steelers know it.

 

[Ryder71]

I think the Steelers are likely intrigued by his potential but beyond that I'd be in wait and see mode. They paid the absolute bare minimum for him, declined his 5th year option, and Tomlin went out of his way to declare him the #2 before he had even arrived in Pittsburgh.

I agree he's an upgrade over Kenny, but both of their values have plummeted (compared to original draft capital) due to poor play.

What would a Fields extension even look like? Like Drew Lock-esque 5m per?

Two years 18-22 mil. Most of it guaranteed.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

Two years 18-22 mil. Most of it guaranteed.

You think Fields gets the Winston extension pre Carr for the Saints.
I don’t think Fields gets more than 8 million Jacoby makes or 10 million Darnold got. Baker played on a 4 million dollar contract in Tampa before cashing out

 

[Ryder71]

You think Fields gets the Winston extension pre Carr for the Saints.
I don’t think Fields gets more than 8 million Jacoby makes or 10 million Darnold got. Baker played on a 4 million dollar contract in Tampa before cashing out

He may or may not be a starter in '25, if he is and plays well that's a steal of a bridge deal. I think it's more likely that happens than not. However, IF it's determined he's only a back up, it's still not a long term where it necessarily cripples us. You see how TC goes and then make an informed decision. Even at that rate it still affords you the ability to re up Wilson if he kills it.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I don't think it's likely the Steelers pick a QB but one unexpected collapse, one season ender for TJ Watt, and they're picking high and have to consider it regardless -

And it's not hard to construct a scenario where injury or poor play means Wilson and Fields both blow chances next season and we're back to square one.

I'm sure the Steelers would like one of Wilson or Fields to be QB1 next season. But that's not a done deal and right now the contract status says the Steelers know it.

if Wilson struggles or goes down, watching a coach who lives in his fears with turnovers, try to manage one of the most turnover prone QBs in the league will be highly entertaining.

As for the draft, I suspect they wait until 2026 as the 25 QB class is considered pretty weak.

 

[Peat]

I don't even know what the framework of a Justin Fields extension would look like right now. If I were him I would probably be inclined to hit FA and test my chances rather than get locked down for another year at a backup QB type number, but this is total conjecture.

It's not even about the number for Fields at a guess as it is the opportunity. He came here because he thought it was his best opportunity. If he's wrong, I doubt he wants to stay.

Unless the Steelers give him the sort of money that says he's getting the opportunity, I don't get why he'd sign now.

 

[Night Shift]

if Wilson struggles or goes down, watching a coach who lives in his fears with turnovers, try to manage one of the most turnover prone QBs in the league will be highly entertaining.

As for the draft, I suspect they wait until 2026 as the 25 QB class is considered pretty weak.

If Wilson stinks then the gamble failed and they alienated the wrong QB

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

If Wilson stinks then the gamble failed and they alienated the wrong QB

I’m trying to be positive about Wilson given how much I liked him in Seattle, but mostly because I know the Fields/Tomlin combo would ratchet up Tomlin Purgatory to the kind of depressing level I don’t want to even contemplate.

Khan is my biggest source of hope because Rooney and Tomlin are hopeless and both have accepted mediocrity as the Steeler way.

Khan so far doesn’t f*** around though, and actually backs up his words, unlike the other two who make me roll my eyes when they talk about SBs.

I’m 100% sure Khan knows you need a star QB to win in this league, because Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow are just hitting their early prime.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

I’m trying to be positive about Wilson given how much I liked him in Seattle, but mostly because I know the Fields/Tomlin combo would ratchet up Tomlin Purgatory to the kind of depressing level I don’t want to even contemplate.

Khan is my biggest source of hope because Rooney and Tomlin are hopeless and both have accepted mediocrity as the Steeler way.

Khan so far doesn’t f*** around though, and actually backs up his words, unlike the other two who make me roll my eyes when they talk about SBs.

I’m 100% sure Khan knows you need a star QB to win in this league, because Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow are just hitting their early prime.

Lets see how Allen and Burrow look without their star wrs.
Not sure were that star Qb is coming from Dak ain’t it. This upcoming draft class isn’t great

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Lets see how Allen and Burrow look without their star wrs.
Not sure were that star Qb is coming from Dak ain’t it. This upcoming draft class isn’t great

Mahomes lost his star WR… won b2b SBs.

Allen and Burrow will be more than fine.

No idea what you mean by Dak, but I have stated many times 2025 QB class looks pretty weak a year out.

That’s why we gotta hope Wilson works out for a couple seasons and Khan can find a legit future franchise guy… but that dude isn’t on the roster as of today, unfortunately for all Steeler fans.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

Mahomes lost his star WR… won b2b SBs.

Allen and Burrow will be more than fine.

No idea what you mean by Dak, but I have stated many times 2025 QB class looks pretty weak a year out.

That’s why we gotta hope Wilson works out for a couple seasons and Khan can find a legit future franchise guy… but that dude isn’t on the roster as of today, unfortunately for all Steeler fans.

Maholmes is on entire different level than anyone else.
Burrow they already can’t keep upright when he has those 2 stud wr on the outside and they will eventually trade Higgins will struggle
Allen will have to run it even more without diggs
Dak is the best FA option

 

[JTG]

DL and QB are both potentially massive needs.

It all depends on how our young linemen develop. As of right now, agreed. Leal is the biggest tease of all time. He has the ABILITY to be a game wrecker, but he just cannot get the most out of his talent. Loudermilk seems to be developing, but this year is the year he needs to take a step. If neither do, then yeah, DL is a huge need.

QB I think they are rolling with Russ and Fields for at least 2 seasons and letting that shake out. 2026 would be a really good draft to suck for.

Still not opposed to flipping a 1st if a guy like Surtain becomes available again.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Maholmes is on entire different level than anyone else.
Burrow they already can’t keep upright when he has those 2 stud wr on the outside and they will eventually trade Higgins will struggle
Allen will have to run it even more without diggs
Dak is the best FA option

Burrow is a top 5 QB, and the only thing that will hold him back is his recovery.

Allen is like Roth, he will elevate whomever he has at WR.

I haven’t even mentioned Stroud, who has superstar potential.

And ya, Mahomes is on a diff level, and he’s still young, which is a big part of my point.

Wilson and especially Fields aren’t getting you past Mahomes.

It’s like living in the delusion Tommy Maddox and Kordell are getting you past Brady and Manning.

Wilson is a possible temporary fix and Fields certainly isn’t the answer.

This is the 90s all over again until they find a legit franchise guy.

 

[Peat]

It all depends on how our young linemen develop. As of right now, agreed. Leal is the biggest tease of all time. He has the ABILITY to be a game wrecker, but he just cannot get the most out of his talent. Loudermilk seems to be developing, but this year is the year he needs to take a step. If neither do, then yeah, DL is a huge need.

QB I think they are rolling with Russ and Fields for at least 2 seasons and letting that shake out. 2026 would be a really good draft to suck for.

Still not opposed to flipping a 1st if a guy like Surtain becomes available again.

As stated above, I think the team want to roll with one of Wilson/Fields for season after next but they're not locked in and until they are, wouldn't rule out the plan changing.

I also don't have much faith in the DL prospects. Even if Leal or Loudermilk does take off, there's still potential need there.

As such... I wouldn't be mad if they traded the 1st for a certain guy, either at DB or WR, but I'm not chomping at the bit for it.

 

[JTG]

As stated above, I think the team want to roll with one of Wilson/Fields for season after next but they're not locked in and until they are, wouldn't rule out the plan changing.

I also don't have much faith in the DL prospects. Even if Leal or Loudermilk does take off, there's still potential need there.

As such... I wouldn't be mad if they traded the 1st for a certain guy, either at DB or WR, but I'm not chomping at the bit for it.

Agreed. It would have to be the right situation, as I outlined in my last post. These guys aren't far off. They have a line in place. They have a LB corps in place. Those have been two huge needs. We should at least be able to run the ball and stop the run. Wilson and Queen should also help us in coverage.

 

[DesertPenguin]

There is almost zero chance this team takes a QB in the 2025 draft, they're not going to move on from both Fields and Wilson without giving each a year to see if they can start. At minimum, you're probably looking at Wilson in 2024 and Fields in 2025 as the starter. If Wilson is good, I think he'll get 2 or 3 years here.

LE is the #1 need in my eyes in the draft next year, even if they give Heyward a multi-year deal.

OL - Set. Even if a guard walks, we have youth that should push.
TE - Set. Great 1-2-3 assuming Friermuth signs, and he will.
WR - Hole. Even if Wilson is everything we hole he can be, we could use one more.
QB - As you say.
RB - Maybe a hole, if Najee doesn't re-sign

DL - Outside of Benton there's no one to get too excited about, so yes I agree.
OLB - Great 1-2-3. No notes.
ILB - Wilson and Queen look like a great duo. Might need depth, depending on Roberts and Holcomb
S - Maybe draft a developmental guy to play alongside Minkah, but Kazee and Elliot are pretty solid.
CB - I'd like to see what we have in Rush and Trice, but might be a need.

So I'm probably going DL, WR, CB, S, and outside of DL none of them are dire needs. This is looking pretty good.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I don't think it's likely the Steelers pick a QB but one unexpected collapse, one season ender for TJ Watt, and they're picking high and have to consider it regardless -

And it's not hard to construct a scenario where injury or poor play means Wilson and Fields both blow chances next season and we're back to square one.

I'm sure the Steelers would like one of Wilson or Fields to be QB1 next season. But that's not a done deal and right now the contract status says the Steelers know it.

The 2025 QB class sucks though, so I'm not even sure there's a QB worth taking that high.

Idk, it's not set in stone because neither of the guys are under contract, but I'm extremely skeptical that one of Wilson or Fields won't be their QB in 2025. I figure the minimum is Wilson in 2024, Fields in 2025 and they go look for a new QB for 2026. Something very unlikely would have to happen for me to think that they'd give up on Fields and Wilson without either getting a full season with the Steelers.

I think Wilson getting a multi-year extension is more likely than letting both walk after 1 year.

 

[Peat]

The 2025 QB class sucks though, so I'm not even sure there's a QB worth taking that high.

Idk, it's not set in stone because neither of the guys are under contract, but I'm extremely skeptical that one of Wilson or Fields won't be their QB in 2025. I figure the minimum is Wilson in 2024, Fields in 2025 and they go look for a new QB for 2026. Something very unlikely would have to happen for me to think that they'd give up on Fields and Wilson without either getting a full season with the Steelers.

I think Wilson getting a multi-year extension is more likely than letting both walk after 1 year.

I don't think it's particularly likely either but there's a difference between not likely and not possible - or in this case next to it. Wilson gets a really bad injury after not looking good then Fields sucks probably does it. How many starting QBs played less than half a season last year? Richardson, Rodgers, Cousins, Murray, Jones, Watson? With Burrow just over?

Or Wilson sucks then Fields sucks. I'm not betting that hard on Wilson sucking but if he has his 22 Denver season here, he's not seeing it out. If that happens, there's a decent chance its because the offence is poorly set up and Fields is unlikely to shine. Maybe Khan would be patient but then again, Khan has shown a penchant for change and Rooney is very visibly impatient.

Hell, can't even entirely rule out the Steelers doing a Falcons/Packers. Sign Wilson, draft a 1st round QB who'll sit a year or two. In a lot of ways that might even be the best scenario.

As for the 25 QB class... I don't buy this certainty either. We've seen guys bolt into the top 5 of the draft on great last years. We've also seen that the NFL really struggles to identify who's got it and who doesn't at the next level with QBs. Wait and see rather than writing off a possibility a year early.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

Burrow is a top 5 QB, and the only thing that will hold him back is his recovery.

Allen is like Roth, he will elevate whomever he has at WR.

I haven’t even mentioned Stroud, who has superstar potential.

And ya, Mahomes is on a diff level, and he’s still young, which is a big part of my point.

Wilson and especially Fields aren’t getting you past Mahomes.

It’s like living in the delusion Tommy Maddox and Kordell are getting you past Brady and Manning.

Wilson is a possible temporary fix and Fields certainly isn’t the answer.

This is the 90s all over again until they find a legit franchise guy.

Except Wilson with a crappy Broncos team beat Maholmes last season
Your right Allen is like Ben his last 3 playoff wins Rudolph Thompson Jones and old man Rivers.
Burrow they split with him
Its Maholmes and everyone else