Latest Steelers Buzz: Tomlin coy about QB plans, confident of being the solution

“You get what you deserve. We didn’t strike the right chords at the right time,” Tomlin said in his season ending presser. “For us it’s about assessing the reasons why. Every component of what we do. We’re at very infancy [stages] with that. We also understand that moving forward happens pretty quickly. Since Saturday night that’s what’s been going on here. Beginning stages of what transpired and why. Had team meeting yesterday, outlined initiatives. Us as a collective, lot that happens this time of the year……

Tomlin played the typical line he often does in this presser where changes are going to happen, but everything is so early.

“In stadium I believe what I said, they [Baltimore] were better team Saturday night,” Tomlin said of Saturday’s loss. That was displayed. That is not comfortable to say but that is the truth. Component of that disappointment [we] were better positions [than past teams]. Lot of work to do. I’m energized. I’m a competitor, I love this game and this business, even when it’s miserable. …….Change that comes when you don’t have desired outcome,” said Tomlin. “Going to be some change year I’d imagine on a lot of levels. Really just beginning of some of the decision making of what transpired. Met with Art Rooney yesterday, met with Omar. Analyze some of decisions made, personnel, strategy. How do we keep our team healthier was a discussion yesterday.”

On teams calling about his availability, Tomlin said “save your time,” to those teams.

“We share same sentiment,” Tomlin said of him and owner Art Rooney II. “We’re really disappointed, really committed to making sure we’re not in this same space 12 months from now.”

QB Future…….

*”Lot of unanswered questions of what direction [we take],” Tomlin said.

None bigger than the QB position.

“We don’t have a QB under contract,” said Tomlin. “Major discussions…….Really good experience [with Wilson & Fields]. Individually and collectively. Open to considering those guys. Major work starts first and foremost of what our options are.”

Tomlin was pretty coy on Russell Wilson or Justin Fields being the answer. He was calculated in not showing effusive praise to either and two months from now becoming a soundbite if the Steelers go in another direction.

On Justin Fields Tomlin said “certainly” he’s put himself in position to be considered as the No. 1 QB next season.

“Certainly,” Tomlin said. “Way, he managed his professional circumstance was impressive. Got continually better with system and ball.”

Despite Tomlin not going there, with little chance of the Steelers tearing things down to go with a weak QB market, both in free agency and the draft, Russell Wilson will surely be in serious consideration to be resigned.

“Lamar wasn’t taken [early] in the draft, Hurts wasn’t taken in first round,” Tomlin said in shooting down a question the Steelers need to take a step back to land a top-flight QB.

What the organization has to decide is whether improving the talent and scheme around Wilson outweighs any intrigue about taking the risk and handing Justin Fields the keys. Everybody around here loves the backup QB and the best option to compete next season is still Russell Wilson.

The age factor/money, though, is going to be the biggest pause towards a Wilson reunion as his came behind the scenes has not been quiet of how they feel a $30 million a year market will be out there.

“Certainly, that will be a component, but those discussions haven’t been had,” Tomlin said of the elephant in the room that Wilson will be 36 years old next season.

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