Ex-Steelers Exec Has Asinine Take On Justin Fields, QB Situation

Doug Whaley, who spent more than two decades as an NFL executive, including 10 years running the Steelers personnel department, concocted quite a take on Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation.

Whaley questioned whether the Steelers could bench starting quarterback Justin Fields, who’s helped Pittsburgh to a 3-0 start, in favor of veteran Russell Wilson. Given Wilson was in the driver’s seat in Pittsburgh’s QB battle before he suffered an injury, that’s not outlandish.

What is, however, is Whaley’s reasoning: He thinks it would help tank Fields’ market and allow Pittsburgh to sign him for less in the long-term.

“My immediate thought if I’m Omar (Khan), I go into Art Rooney’s office, and ask, ‘What are you willing to pay this guy?’ If he continues this current trajectory, we’re talking about $40 million or $50 million. Are we ready to do that?'” Whaley said during a radio appearance on 93.7 The Fan, per Penn Live.

“Do you throw Russell Wilson in there and maybe lose a couple games in the future? Meaning then take Fields off the playing field. You don’t have to pay him.”

It’s difficult to imagine Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who recently declined to name a starter, will think twice about Whaley’s sentiments.

Fields is set to be a free agent following the 2024 campaign after the 2021 first-rounder did not have his fifth-year option picked up. Fields has completed 73.3% of his passes and has three total touchdowns (two passing) in three wins this season.