For anyone holding out hope that Russell Wilson will eventually take over as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starter, they should probably start looking at logical Wilson trades that will take him out of the Steel City instead.
At least, according to a new, unsubtle eye-opening quote from offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
On Thursday, Smith praised Justin Fields — who has filled in for Wilson to start the 2024 season while he nurses a calf injury — for being coachable and, wait for it, for his lack of drama as someone who “doesn’t try to live through his avatar.”
If I didn’t know any better, it sure sounds like that is an apparent reference to Wilson, who has garnered a reputation for his utter lack of authenticity over the years:
Steelers OC Arthur Smith says he's really enjoyed working w/ Justin Fields. "There's no drama to him. He doesn't try to live through his avatar or create a perception. That's probably why he was so endearing to his teammates in Chicago. … Extremely coachable, extremely bright."
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) October 10, 2024
Oof. If Smith is really referring to Wilson, it’s hard to imagine the quarterback ever playing a single snap for Pittsburgh at this rate, barring injury. Imagine that. Wilson might have worn out his welcome without throwing a single regular-season pass for the Steelers.
I guess that’s just where his still-future Hall of Fame career is these days.
