Steelers' Russell Wilson Gets Harsh Criticism From Former All-Pro Shawne Merriman: "Won't Be Starting By Week 4"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made headlines throughout the 2024 offseason due to an intriguing revamp of the quarterback room. All three signal-callers from 2023 were shown the door one way or another, while Russell Wilson signed for the veteran minimum and Justin Fields was acquired via trade. Fans are probably tired of hearing the phrase "pole position," but that is what Wilson is in when it comes to the starting job as training camp rapidly approaches. In a dull period for NFL news, shows, podcast and journalists have been fascinated by the situation and many think Fields will run the show prior to the 2024 season ending.

Everyone seems to want to give an opinion and prediction about what will transpire for the Steelers throughout the course of the season and former All-Pro Shawne Merriman is no different. He recently appeared on The Pump Fake Podcast and was asked about Pittsburgh's quarterback situation. He sees Wilson as a salesman and believes he will be the starter Week 1, but done by the time October rolls around.

"I think he won't be starting by Week 4. He's gonna win the [starting job] cause he's smart," Merriman said. "One thing about Russell Wilson, he's always been smart with the football. That’s always been his thing - he makes great decisions. So he is going to win in training camp, he’s going to win the job. He’s a great salesman... I think he’s one of the best at just dealing with the media, staying positive, saying all the right things, doing the right things -- the ultimate salesman." 

Fans seem to be split on which quarterback they are internally rooting for, but with the addition of Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator, Wilson could actually be a much better fit for what the unit is going to try and accomplish. The expected playbook for Smith could look similar to what Wilson had when he was playing phenomenal football with the Seattle Seahawks.

Merriman continued his thoughts and said it shouldn't take long before the Steelers know which Wilson will be competing on the field once the games matter. The retired linebacker wanted to make a point again about how Wilson is a very good salesman when it comes to this time of the year.

"When it comes time to play football, we’ll see who he really is. Even now, he’s working out during the offseason... he looks amazing. He looks like the Russell Wilson we’ve seen in Seattle. Again, selling the he** out of himself. But we all know when football really starts how that can change quickly."

It might be good for Fields to sit a season behind Wilson and really turn into the quarterback he was drafted to be by the Chicago Bears. No one is quite sure what the team's plans are for the future at the position, with none of the signal-callers currently rostered being under contract for 2025. Wilson has the chance to reestablish himself as an elite quarterback in the NFL if he can perform at a high level for the Steelers.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin will have some serious decisions to make if Wilson plays poorly right out of the gate. In the front office, General Manager Omar Khan will be put in a tough spot if Wilson succeeds and demands a big contract once the 2025 offseason rolls around.

The Steelers Are In Position To Have Their Best Offense In Years During 2024 Season

The good thing about an offense designed by Smith is the quarterback doesn't necessarily have to be perfect. If the offensive line is playing well and the unit is able to aggressively run the football, a lot of pressure is taken off of someone like Wilson or Fields. Pittsburgh is set up for success with Smith calling the plays, but it definitely could be contingent on landing another star-caliber wide receiver to pair with George Pickens.

Do you think Wilson will relinquish starting control by Week 4? Let us know in the comments below!

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