Still scratching my head as to what the Steelers are doing. But I've seen some reports lately that their was some burned bridges between Wilson & the team. Didn't read any details about it but thought it was interesting when everything prior seemed to indicate the relationship was still good & there was a chance he'd return. The FO & ownership indicated they wanted to keep at least 1 of either Fields or Wilson.
My best guess based on the events that played out is that the Steelers went all in on Fields and ended up souring the relationship with both. They must have felt confident they could low ball Fields and he'd stay. Wilson probably felt slighted by them pursuing Fields more than him, despite saying very early in the offseason that they had begun contract talks. They likely offered Fields the better deal to stay, but still didn't feel he was worth the $20m per season.
Also, Fields still wants to be considered a starter and not just a bridge or a project. If the Steelers wanted to retain him then they obviously failed to make him feel that way.
My best guess based on the events that played out is that the Steelers went all in on Fields and ended up souring the relationship with both. They must have felt confident they could low ball Fields and he'd stay. Wilson probably felt slighted by them pursuing Fields more than him, despite saying very early in the offseason that they had begun contract talks. They likely offered Fields the better deal to stay, but still didn't feel he was worth the $20m per season.
Also, Fields still wants to be considered a starter and not just a bridge or a project. If the Steelers wanted to retain him then they obviously failed to make him feel that way.