There is always a surprise or two when it comes to cuts during NFL training camps. It is typically related to salary more than anything but many veterans know they are on the bubble because of heated position battles.
The biggest position battle of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is at quarterback between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. We all want this to be a fair fight and both guys have a shot to run the Steelers offense. Head coach Mike Tomlin has stated Wilson has the pole position but Fields has made it clear he’s competing to be the starter.
Pro Football Network offered one one potential surprise cut for each team and they went way out on a limb when they named Wilson as the Steelers potential player on the block if Fields wins the starting job.
Here’s what they had to say about the move:
With a salary of just over $1 million, Russell Wilson arguably is more valuable to the Steelers if he stays on the roster. However, the salary also makes him easy to cut, and if Justin Fields wins the starting QB job, Pittsburgh might want to cut Wilson to avoid distractions.
PFN makes the best argument against cutting Wilson in their synopsis. The Steelers have Wilson for pennies compared to other quarterbacks and he is a consummate professional. If by some miracle Fields could beat him out, we’d expect Wilson to be supportive and a great mentor.