Madden Monday: Whether Steelers keep Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, assume they should have done the opposite

For every report that says the Pittsburgh Steelers are leaning toward bringing back Russell Wilson, there seems to be one that says they are actually more likely to keep Justin Fields.

And for every rumor that says the Steelers will retain Fields, there’s one that says Wilson will be the starter in 2025.

In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLive has a way to sift through the noise.

“I will decide on what the quarterback decision should be by what they do, because then I will think they made the wrong move and should have done the opposite,” Madden said.

Based on every decision the Steelers have made at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger blew out his elbow, there is reason to subscribe to Madden’s theory.

“They don’t know what they’re doing. They’ve never been more haphazard. I’ve never had less trust in this organization,” Madden said. “I just don’t trust them at all. I’m serious. I don’t think the Steelers have ever been less competently managed. Ever.”

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A big reason for Madden’s lack of faith is that he doesn’t think Omar Khan is fit to be the general manager.

“He never should have gotten the job,” Madden said. “He has no football acumen, no experience in the game. He just happened to be there when Kevin Colbert retired and was the next in line. That’s the only reason he has the job. He’s a bean counter. He’s a capologist. He shouldn’t be the GM.”

In part, Madden feels that way because of how Khan failed to replace Diontae Johnson at wide receiver last year, and he doesn’t see a way that the Steelers can acquire a veteran receiver of consequence via trade or free agency this offseason either.

“I think Cooper Kupp is shot. I think Deebo (Samuel) probably is too. I don’t have a problem with the Steelers passing on them,” Madden said after Samuel was acquired by Washington on Saturday. “Then again, you’ve got to get somebody. My big fear is they don’t get a legitimate receiver. They draft a defensive tackle in the first round, and then whoever they get as a receiver in the draft is Roman Wilson: Part Deux.”

Also, during the podcast, Madden and I get into all of the Penguins’ goaltending woes and their trade philosophy. We also discuss Erik Karlsson’s frequent mishaps, the Pirates’ upcoming season and Madden’s “Rock Cruise” vacation.