The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their strong and consistent performance on the football field. For years, they had a franchise quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger who provided a sense of stability and confidence to the team. However, since Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have been struggling to find that same level of consistency at the quarterback position. This has left many fans and analysts wondering what the team’s next move should be.
One former player, who knows a thing or two about playing for the Steelers, has some advice for the team. Hines Ward, a former wide receiver who played for the Steelers for 14 years, recently urged the organization to make a big move in the upcoming draft. In an interview with The Cold Wire, Ward expressed his belief that the Steelers should acquire Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in order to re-establish their dominance in the league.
Ward’s suggestion of acquiring Russell Wilson is an interesting one, as the star quarterback has been in the news recently due to rumors of his dissatisfaction with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson, who is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league, has been with the Seahawks since 2012 and has led the team to multiple playoff appearances and one Super Bowl win. However, there have been reports of tension between Wilson and the organization, leading to speculation that he may be looking for a change of scenery.
If the Steelers were to acquire Wilson, it would undoubtedly be a major coup for the team. Not only would they be getting a proven and elite quarterback, but they would also be adding a veteran leader who knows how to win. Wilson’s experience and leadership could be exactly what the Steelers need to get back to their winning ways.
However, if Wilson is not available, Ward believes the Steelers should target Justin Fields in the draft. Fields, who played for Ohio State University, is a highly talented and athletic quarterback who has the potential to be a star in the NFL. In his two years as a starter for the Buckeyes, he threw for over 5,000 yards and 63 touchdowns, while also rushing for 867 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is a dual-threat quarterback who could bring a new dimension to the Steelers’ offense.
Ward’s reasoning for this draft move is simple – the Steelers need a franchise quarterback. He believes that Wilson or Fields could provide the team with the stability and consistency that has been missing since Roethlisberger’s retirement. As Ward puts it, “The Steelers have always been known for their strong quarterbacks, and it’s time to get back to that.”
Of course, making such a big move in the draft would not be without its risks. Acquiring a new quarterback, especially one as talented as Wilson or Fields, would likely require giving up a significant amount of draft picks and possibly even players. However, the potential payoff could be huge for the Steelers. With the right quarterback, the team could once again become a top contender in the AFC and potentially even make another run at the Super Bowl.
Furthermore, Ward’s belief in the importance of a strong quarterback is not unfounded. Many successful NFL teams have a franchise quarterback at the helm, and the Steelers have been no exception. They have had a long history of great quarterbacks, from Terry Bradshaw to Roethlisberger. This legacy is something that Ward believes should be continued and built upon.
In the end, the decision of whether or not to make a big move in the draft will ultimately rest with the Steelers’ front office. However, one thing is clear – the team needs to find a franchise quarterback to get back to their winning ways. Whether it be through acquiring Russell Wilson or selecting Justin Fields in the draft, the Steelers must make a bold move to once again establish themselves as one of the top teams in the NFL. And with the support of a former player like Hines Ward, the organization should feel confident in taking that leap of faith.
