First Call: Russell Wilson backs idea of Justin Fields ‘Slash’ role; James Daniels’ future with Steelers
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Thursday’s “First Call” features Russell Wilson’s reaction to the idea of the Pittsburgh Steelers using Justin Fields in a Kordell “Slash” Stewart, or Taysom Hill type of role.
We also discuss James Daniels’ future in Pittsburgh, disturbing news about a former Steelers defensive lineman and Bronny James’ decision to stay in the NBA Draft.
Plus, a lack of help for Jared Jones from the Pirates offense.
Two at a time
On Tuesday, Justin Fields seemed open to the idea of playing a Taysom Hill or Kordell Stewart type of role in the offense if the Steelers asked him to do so. On Wednesday, I asked Russell Wilson if he thought that would be a good idea as well.
“Justin is obviously one of the most talented guys in the NFL,” Wilson said. “You know all the things he can do. The player, the quarterback that he is. He’s dynamic. It’s all about us winning. That’s the focus. I think it would strike fear in some defenses, that’s for sure.”
Wilson said that using Fields in such a way wouldn’t be too much of a distraction or a gimmick in his estimation.
“Justin is a franchise quarterback. He’s a guy that can do a lot of amazing things. So, we have two dynamic guys that can do a lot of special things,” Wilson continued.
As Fields said Tuesday, though, no such plays have been drawn up in the Steelers offense as of yet.
Daniels’ decree
On Wednesday, Steelers offensive lineman James Daniels told SteelersNow.com that he has been informed by the team that no contract extension talks will be taking place this summer.
“I was told nothing’s going to happen, so I don’t have to worry about that,” Daniels told the website Wednesday.
Even though Daniels is only 27, that makes sense. He is entering the final year of his three-year $26.5 million contract. The Steelers have already drafted Mason McCormick as a potential replacement. Or, if Troy Fautanu doesn’t work out at tackle, they may try him at guard. Meanwhile, Isaac Seumalo is still locked up through 2025 at the other guard spot. Spencer Anderson could be an option as well.
If the Steelers want to keep Daniels that badly, they can bid for him on the open market or they can sign a free agent that may not be as pricey as what Daniels may be asking for at this stage. Keeping Nate Herbig at a lesser price is also in play.
More sports
• Paul Skenes strikes out 9, Jared Jones struggles as Pirates split doubleheader at Detroit
• Forgotten option no more, center Nate Herbig stating case to be Steelers’ man in the middle
• Jury delivers stunning verdict in fired Penn State football doctor’s trial
Bad news for Buggs
Former Steeler Isaiah Buggs is facing animal cruelty charges in Alabama.
According to ESPN.com, the Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman has two misdemeanor warrants in Tuscaloosa County. The Crimson Tide product is accused of cruelty to dogs in the second degree.
Via ESPN’s Adam Teicher, the Tuscaloosa Police Department levied the charges after receiving a report that two dogs — a pit bull and a rottweiler — were being left on the back porch of a home rented by Buggs, which appeared to be abandoned.
The dogs are alleged to have been malnourished and neglected. The pit bull was eventually euthanized. Witnesses told police Buggs had recently moved from the house.
Buggs’ agent denied the charges. Now 27 years old, Buggs played three seasons in Pittsburgh and two in Detroit before heading to Kansas City in January as a practice squad player.
The Chiefs organization re-signed Buggs to a futures contract in February.
No Bronny on the Bluff
Forget the idea of LeBron James’ son coming to Duquesne. Bronny James has decided to stay in the NBA Draft.
Ever since James’ son made his intentions known about planning to transfer from USC or enter the NBA Draft, Dukes fans had wondered if Bronny may make his way to the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.
After all, James’ father was a high school teammate of new Dukes coach Dru Joyce III.
However, despite averaging only 4.8 points per game with the Trojans in 2023-24, James is staying in the draft. He had a good showing at the NBA Combine and performed well at a pro day at the Lakers practice facility.
Full story with @DraftExpress: Ahead of midnight NCAA deadline, USC’s Bronny James staying in June NBA Draft and forgoing college eligibility, Klutch’s Rich Paul tells ESPN. https://t.co/A0XCfbQZOu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 29, 2024
If Bronny and LeBron really want to play together, as has often been discussed, this is the best path to take. Whether Bronny gets drafted or not, there are plenty of routes that could lead to those two being on the same roster.
James is the No. 54 prospect in the ESPN 100. In Round 2, LeBron’s Lakers have the 55th pick overall. If Bronny James goes undrafted, he could sign as a free agent with his father’s team on a two-way contract. Or another team could draft or sign Bronny as a way to lure LeBron away from L.A. now that he is entering the option year of his contract with the Lakers.
A two-way NBA deal will pay $580,000 in 2024-25.
Regardless, staying in college — be it at Duquesne, USC, Ohio State or anywhere else that had been rumored — can’t compete with any of those options.
It does not help much
Jared Jones doesn’t need to look beyond his own performance to see why things went badly during his start Wednesday for the Pirates. He gave up seven runs, five earned, en route to an 8-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Picking up where he left off! ???? pic.twitter.com/O4Rswyd8cF
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 29, 2024
However, a disturbing trend has developed whenever Jones pitches: The Pirates never score. Jones’ start Wednesday was his 11th of the season. In seven of them, the Pirates have scored two runs or less.
In total, Jones has gotten just 32 runs of support in 11 starts, and nine of them were during his first outing of the year when the Pirates won 9-3 in Florida against the Marlins. Since then, the Pirates have been averaging 2.3 runs of support for Jones over his 10 most recent outings.
In part, that’s why Jones is 3-5 on the year. He next pitches Tuesday against former Pirate Tyler Glasnow and the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park.
Paul Skenes and the Pirates won Game 2 of yesterday’s doubleheader in Detroit, 10-2. The Pirates are off Thursday before heading to Toronto for a three-game series against the Blue Jays.