Steelers GM Omar Khan describes his reaction to landing both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
Steelers GM Omar Khan is still stunned that he was able to rework the quarterback depth chart so significantly.
In — Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen. Out — everybody from last season, so there is no more Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. It all changed in a matter of days in mid-March as the Steelers signed Wilson, traded for Fields and traded away Pickett. Trubisky and Rudolph weren’t asked to stay at the end of their contracts.
In an interview with Pittsburgh station 93.7, Khan said: “If you would have told me that we’d be sitting here with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen five months ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Well, believe it. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Wilson appears to be a lock for the starting job. Meanwhile, there is talk that the Steelers want to get Fields some specially-designed plays to utilize his shifty running moves. Allen is a journeyman making his fifth NFL stop. He’s mostly worked as a backup throughout his career, but has started 19 games.
The Steelers completed minicamp last week and are now on a break until they report to Latrobe, Pa., July 24. But through OTAs and minicamp, Wilson seems to have gotten the advantage over Fields. Wilson already had sway in experience.
Steelers insider names Wilson as one of team’s big winners
Mark Kaboly, the Steelers beat writer for The Athletic, crowned Wilson as one of the team’s biggest winners during off-season work. Kaboly wrote:
“You couldn’t have asked for much more out of Wilson during OTAs and minicamp, on the field and off it. His leadership is more than noticeable, and that’s been true since the first day he showed up. What stood out was his arm talent, whether it was a throw in the flat, at the goal line or down the field.
“Wilson did nothing through 12 practices to even slightly indicate he could lose the quarterback competition to Justin Fields. The work ethic, the experience, the arm talent and the fact he basically took all of the first-team snaps strongly suggest that nothing Wilson can do between July 24 and Sept. 8 would prevent him from starting.”
Pat Freiermuth might’ve had best off season in Pittsburgh
If you’re curious, Kaboly listed tight end Pat Freiermuth as the biggest winner. Other Steelers on the top five were Cameron Sutton, Patrick Queen and Nick Herbig.
Meanwhile, Fields was amongst the losers on The Athletic’s list. But there were caveats.
“Don’t get bent out of shape with Fields finding himself on this list,” Karboly wrote. “His talent speaks for itself. But unlike Wilson, he has a lot of obstacles to overcome for an opportunity this year. Fields didn’t get many first-team reps, and that’s significant come training camp. More than that, you can see what made him a first-round pick … and also what made the Chicago Bears move on.
“The arm strength, speed and playmaking with his legs are undeniable. However, he showed inconsistent accuracy and relied on his feet too quickly after the first read. That stuff can be fixed, but maybe not throughout a training camp.”
Back to the Steelers GM, Khan didn’t say anything negative about Fields. In fact, he revealed Pittsburgh had scouted him since the quarterback’s days at Ohio State.
“We really liked Justin coming out of college,” Khan said. “He had an up-and-down situation in Chicago, and the opportunity was there to get him, and I’m excited. He’s really looked awesome. He’s a great individual, too. I didn’t know him personally until he got here. What a special person he is.”