Deshaun Watson was not a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers trading for former first-round pick Justin Fields.
The Chicago Bears sent Fields to the Steelers, getting a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick that could become a fourth-rounder. If Fields wants to start, he’ll have to compete with 9-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. After being released by the Denver Broncos, he joined the Steelers this offseason.
Wilson is expected to start in Pittsburgh, and Watson believes there are better opportunities for Fields elsewhere.
“In my opinion, and I tend to be cautious, I believe Russell will be better. I think they should have a contest, and the best player should win in the end, but everyone has their own opinions,” Watson said on the latest episode of his “QB Unplugged” podcast. “That’s their own organization, they stated that Russell’s the guy. If he’s the guy, I think Justin could have found a better situation to play.”
Watson has discussed the Steelers’ quarterback situation before, praising Pittsburgh for signing Wilson.
“Pittsburgh is a respectable organization. It’s surprising for me to say it as a Brown. I’m just being honest,” Watson said. “Ultimately, one must acknowledge where acknowledgment is due. Tomlin will have them prepared. It made sense for [Wilson] to go there.”
Bears Worked With Justin Fields on Trade Destination
Fields appears to have a different perspective on the situation. The Bears collaborated with him to find his next team amid considering six offers.
“They have a starting quarterback in Russ, but it felt like there was more of an open competition from my viewpoint, and there were other options with quarterbacks who were either veterans or young guys that were already paid, so it would have been tougher for him to get onto the field,” Bears GM Ryan Poles stated on March 25. “I mentioned that at the combine: I wanted to do right by him. We did that. We had a really good conversation.”
There’s still a long way to go before Week 1 but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated that Wilson is in “pole position” to be the starter.
“We’re not resistant to competition, but as I’ve stated multiple times recently, I believe it’s appropriate to establish positioning. … And the term that I’ve used is Russell has pole position,” Tomlin said. “And why do I use that term? Because during this time where we are not formally working, I just think it’s beneficial. His experience in the National Football League, his process has been honed and perfected.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson on Track for Week 1 Return
Watson is working his way back from a season-ending shoulder injury. The Browns are confident their $230 million passer will be ready to roll for the start of the season.
“He’s doing everything he’s supposed to, so he’s right on track,” Stefanski said, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “He’s right where he is supposed to be, so I’d anticipate that he’s throwing this spring with us.”
Through two seasons with the Browns, Watson has appeared in just 12 games. He threw for 1,115 yards, 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions last season. Watson missed time on two separate occasions with shoulder injuries.
