Breaking News: The Steal of the Decade! How the Pittsburgh Steelers Are Thriving with a Franchise QB Duo for Pennies on the Dollar
The Pittsburgh Steelers have pulled off what many are now calling “the steal of the decade” in the NFL. Their latest prime-time domination of the New York Jets was just one more example of how brilliantly the franchise has maneuvered itself into one of the best possible situations in the league. With a 5-2 record, Mike Tomlin’s team is riding high, and it’s largely thanks to the dynamic performances of their new franchise quarterback, Justin Fields. However, the brilliance behind this team’s success goes even deeper, involving a veteran quarterback with a superstar pedigree—Russell Wilson—who is playing for peanuts, and this unique combination is setting the Steelers up for long-term success.
Justin Fields Shines as the New Face of the Franchise
Justin Fields has emerged as the Steelers’ new star, delivering consistent and electric performances that have turned heads across the league. With Fields at the helm, the Steelers offense has shown an ability to adapt, flourish, and maintain momentum, even when facing stiff competition. His playmaking ability and poise under pressure have given Pittsburgh a reliable leader in the most critical position on the field: quarterback.
Since taking over, Fields has provided the Steelers with a dynamic rushing threat while also improving as a passer. Fields’ versatility has kept opposing defenses on their heels, and his strong performances have allowed the Steelers to rack up wins and position themselves as a top contender in the AFC North. What’s most impressive is how quickly Fields has acclimated to the system, making the transition from Chicago look effortless, and giving Pittsburgh fans hope that their QB situation is secured for the foreseeable future.
But behind Fields’ rise to prominence is a fascinating backstory involving the savvy acquisition of veteran QB Russell Wilson, and how the Steelers were able to secure his services in an unprecedented bargain deal.
The Russell Wilson Contract Deal: NFL’s Best Bargain?
While Fields has been the focal point of Pittsburgh’s offense, the presence of Russell Wilson cannot be overlooked. Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion and perennial Pro Bowl selection, is playing for the Steelers this season under one of the most unique financial arrangements in recent memory. And it’s that deal which has allowed the Steelers to manage their cap space efficiently, enabling them to put together one of the strongest rosters in the league while paying almost nothing for a veteran backup quarterback.
Here’s how it works: Wilson signed a mammoth $242.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos back in 2022, which included $124 million in guaranteed money. However, after a series of underwhelming seasons, Denver decided to part ways with Wilson, releasing him ahead of the 2024 season. But under the terms of that contract, Denver was still on the hook for the remainder of his guaranteed money—$37.79 million to be exact.
A clause in Wilson’s contract stipulated that if he signed with another team, the salary for his new deal would offset the amount Denver owed him. Seizing this opportunity, Wilson agreed to sign with the Steelers for the league minimum—just $1.21 million for the 2024 season—knowing that the Broncos would still cover the remaining $37.79 million on his contract.
This brilliant move allowed the Steelers to bring in a veteran QB with Hall of Fame potential for a fraction of the cost, while Denver continues to foot the bill. Essentially, Pittsburgh is getting one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks at a bargain-bin price, freeing up valuable cap space for other roster improvements.
A Quarterback Situation Like No Other
The Steelers now find themselves in the enviable position of having two top-tier quarterbacks for a combined cost of under $6 million per year—a figure that is almost unheard of in today’s NFL. To put that into perspective, the Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott, for example, is making over $40 million annually, meaning the Steelers’ QB room costs just 10% of what Prescott alone is earning.
For Pittsburgh, this is a dream scenario. They have Justin Fields, an emerging star, leading the team week in and week out. At the same time, they have Russell Wilson, a seasoned veteran with years of high-level experience, ready to step in if needed. This depth at the quarterback position gives the Steelers a level of security that few other teams can boast. In a league where injuries are common, and the QB position is the most critical on the field, Pittsburgh now has a safety net in Wilson that allows them to compete at a high level, even if Fields is forced to miss time.
Mike Tomlin’s Masterclass in Roster Management
Credit for this situation has to go to head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers front office. Tomlin has built a culture of resilience and intelligence in Pittsburgh, and this QB situation is a testament to that approach. Rather than rushing into a panic when their previous quarterback situation became uncertain, Tomlin and his staff took a calculated risk by acquiring Justin Fields and waited patiently to capitalize on the opportunity to bring in Wilson at a discount.
Moreover, this strategic management has given Pittsburgh tremendous leverage when it comes to contract negotiations moving forward. With Wilson’s bargain contract in place for 2024, the Steelers now have plenty of flexibility to offer Fields an extension when the time comes or to make moves elsewhere to strengthen the roster. The Steelers’ ability to balance talent and budget is a masterclass in how to build a winning team without mortgaging the future.
Wilson’s Recovery and Impact
One additional benefit of having Wilson on the roster has been his ability to take pressure off Fields while also giving himself time to recover from injury. Wilson came into the 2024 season nursing injuries from his time in Denver, but the Steelers’ depth at QB has allowed him to rehabilitate at his own pace, without rushing back into action. This dynamic has not only given Wilson a chance to heal fully but also ensured that Fields continues to develop as the starter without the shadow of an imminent veteran takeover looming over him.
By allowing Wilson the time to recover, the Steelers have set themselves up with a quarterback room that is prepared for all eventualities. Whether it’s Fields continuing to flourish or Wilson stepping in to lead the team with his veteran savvy, Pittsburgh has options, and both scenarios bode well for their success in the 2024 season and beyond.
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ innovative approach to the quarterback position has put them in a rare situation where they are simultaneously competitive now while building toward long-term success. With Justin Fields showing he can handle the pressure of being a franchise QB, and Russell Wilson providing a reliable and affordable backup option, Pittsburgh’s QB situation is the envy of the league.
As the Steelers march toward the playoffs with their 5-2 record, it’s clear that the team’s fortunes are bright. The combination of Fields’ dynamic play and Wilson’s veteran presence, all while paying well below market value for both quarterbacks, has set the Steelers up for sustained success.
In a league where salary cap constraints often force tough decisions, Pittsburgh has managed to avoid those pitfalls, creating what many are now calling the “steal of the decade.” With Mike Tomlin at the helm and their quarterback room in a prime position, the Steelers have the blueprint for greatness in 2024 and beyond.
