ESPN Insider: Loyalty of Steelers' Mike Tomlin Could Lead To Disastrous Quarterback Decision

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are quickly going to get sick of the drama and talk surrounding the quarterback situation. It seems insane for anyone within the organization to want to re-sign a 36-year-old in Russell Wilson when a much younger and capable elusive option is on the table in Justin Fields. A reunion has to make sense for both parties, regardless of which signal-caller ends up returning. Rumors have been all over the place, and some more reports have come out during Super Bowl week. Overall, it's anybody's guess as to what will transpire in the Steel City over the next six weeks.

In a Saturday morning piece for ESPN, respected insider Jeremy Fowler gave an update on what he has been hearing down in New Orleans as the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs prepare to play in Super Bowl LIX. He noted that talks between the Steelers and Fields should happen, but it needs to make sense for Fields, who would be one of the more sought-out free-agent quarterbacks.

"My sense coming out of New Orleans is that the door is open for a potential deal between the Steelers and free agent Justin Fields, but it would have to make sense for Fields, who, at this stage, will most likely want a more legitimate chance to start a full season," Fowler wrote.

That will make fans happy because it seems as if most are on the same page in desiring Fields over Wilson. One of the most important individuals in the entire franchise, however, could unfortunately shut down a Fields extension while vouching for Wilson. That would be Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who, as Fowler writes, has an odd sense of loyalty when it comes to the veteran in Wilson.

"Coach Mike Tomlin seems to have a loyalty to Wilson that could lead the team in that direction, though, Fowler explained. "Plus, Fields could have a sneaky good market and price himself out of Pittsburgh."

The terrifying part of Fowler's reporting is that it proves Tomlin pulls most of the strings when it comes to roster construction. No one in his or her right mind would want Wilson back after an epic collapse to end the season. Fields is a young and mobile quarterback that is worth taking a shot on for a year, at a minimum. Deciding to re-sign Wilson while letting Fields walk would be the exact definition of Tomlin living in his fears.

It makes little sense to retain Wilson at this point. If the Steelers went on to win a playoff game, or simply just not lose the last five contests of the season, fans could likely be convinced that one more year with the veteran would make sense. Right now, however, it's extremely possible that Tomlin is the only one holding onto the idea of keeping Wilson around. Fowler mentioned that former players hinted to him that many within the organization are advocating for Fields.

"I've seen a bunch of ex-Steelers players here in New Orleans, many of whom are well-versed in Steelers happenings," Fowler wrote. "They told me that some people in Pittsburgh's building prefer Fields over Russell Wilson -- who is also a free agent -- as the starter (which I had heard previously), due to age and mobility."

This is a logical way to think given how successful NFL offenses are run nowadays. Tomlin has always tried to preach running the ball and playing good defense while minimizing turnovers. Somewhere in his mind, he is probably convinced that this type of football is better suited for Wilson instead of Fields. It gives off an extreme sense of comfortability and seems as if Tomlin is unable to adjust at this stage of his coaching career.

Someone Within Steelers' Organization Needs To Have A Difficult Conversation With Tomlin

It's clear that Fields is much more elusive than Wilson, while also having a better upside for the future. Many quarterbacks have revived their careers as of late, and Fields could be the latest example if Pittsburgh commits to him for a couple of seasons. For some wild reason, however, it's still very possible, despite recent reports, that Tomlin's loyalty to Wilson will seriously hold the team back. Someone high up within the franchise needs to get Tomlin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Do you think that Tomlin could convince the front office and ownership that Wilson needs to be the starting quarterback in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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