Cam Newton Boldly Asks the Steelers To Get Rid Of Russell Wilson and Re-sign Justin Fields Next Season

Sauvik Banerjee | 28/12/2024
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson throws the ball as Justin Fields looks during warm ups for a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

Surely ESPN’s First Take feels incomplete without the presence of Stephen A. Smith, but Cam Newton has started to fill in that space with his bold and upfront voice. This became evident when he was presented with a debatable topic on Russell Wilson and the Steelers.

Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson signed one-year deals with Pittsburgh earlier this year. Now with the season coming to an end and the Steelers making an entrance to the playoffs, Coach Tomlin will have a decision to make between the two star QBs.

The First Take crew decided to dive deeper into this conversation and asked Cam, “We’ve seen ups and downs with Russ at the helm. Do you believe the Steelers should bring him back next season?”

Cam responded with a firm “no” without even pausing for a moment.

“But you bring back Justin Fields though,” he added. “And you allow him, you develop him the right way though.”

The former Panthers QB did sound harsh on the 36-year-old veteran, but he made a point with Fields. The young QB hasn’t been given the ammunition to fully develop. His failed stint with the Bears (2021-2023) is a big example of it.

He addressed how the Steelers need to take a leap of faith with Justin Fields in order to get the most out of him.

Cam advised Coach Tomlin to develop Justin Fields the right way. He added that Justin hasn’t hit his ceiling on a consistent basis as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson. “But can he give you what those guys (can do)? Yes,” Cam said. “Develop him in a way… He has not gotten that opportunity.”

Russell Wilson has already shown the league what he is capable of and has hit his ceiling. But Justin Fields holds the potential to grow more while also future-proofing the franchise in the QB position.

Post Edited By: Karthik Raman
Cam Newton Justin Fields Pittsburgh Steelers Russell Wilson

About the author

Sauvik Banerjee

Sauvik Banerjee

Sauvik Banerjee is an NFL Content Strategist with a degree in English and Economics. A dedicated fan of the game for over seven years, his passion for football ignited after witnessing Tom Brady orchestrate the 28-3 comeback. In over three years of writing, but mostly strategizing, Sauvik has penned more than 1,300 articles, mainly focusing on the human stories behind the players and how the sport has transformed their lives. He loves watching Lamar Jackson on the field, as he is drawn to his dynamic, unpredictable style of play. When he’s not writing about football, you’ll find Sauvik running—something he’s loved since his track and field days. But one thing he is not wired to do is turn down a challenge on the chess board.

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