Steelers/NFL
A game of chicken continues to evolve regarding the Steelers QB position. Steelers GM Omar Khan speaking today at the combine in Indianapolis toed the company line again from last month that the priority is to sign one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields:
“I think ideally, like to sign one of the guys that we had last year,” Khan said. “But reality is they’re both free agents, so until we get one of those guys under contract, all options are on the table.”
Combine Buzz
— The two biggest power brokers in the organization Mike Tomlin, Art Rooney II continue to strongly be regarded as ‘lean’ Russell Wilson and have been from the start of the off-season evaluation process. Despite this constant local media push of Justin Fields, the Tomlin/Rooney factor continues to put Wilson strongly in play leading into March 12th despite a sizeable gulf on where each side wants to be financially. Multiple members of the organization who are more in the lean Justin Fields crowd believe Tomlin prefers going the established veteran route once again whether it’s Wilson or an outside move, than 100% committing to Justin Fields as the clear #1.
At the end of the day, though, there is a true split in the Steelers organization among prominent individuals. The worst kept secret around the team is GM Omar Khan and some members of the offensive coaching staff are lean Fields. Khan doesn’t have the power Mike Tomlin does or final say but he is very respected and carries weight with Tomlin. But, what continues to be problematic for the Fields camp is a lack of trust towards the organization as the Steelers brass has been blunt that they won’t rule out bringing in competition. Fields and his inner circle want the confidence through the contract and words that the team looks at as a true #1 for the present and future. They are unlikely to get it………
— Only Takes One? Despite a likely limited market of legitimate suitors, the Russell Wilson camp continues to be confident of a $30 million a year market in free agency with chatter of the New York Giants continuing to be front and center on that front. The Steelers for now have held firm in that $17-$18 million range……..
— One rumor said to be making the rounds at the Combine: Matthew Stafford to the Raiders and Russell Wilson to To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
— Team officials believe the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders are teams considering Justin Fields but some Buzz inside the Steelers organization this week is a Sleeper team that could throw a big money, short-term deal at Justin Fields is the To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
