A Steelers-Titans trade that deals Russell Wilson and sends an old friend to Pittsburgh

Another Sunday in the NFL where Russell Wilson doesn't start for the Steelers (or another team) is upon us, which begs the question: How long can Mike Tomlin keep up this charade?

The NFL trade deadline ends in early November, so the answer to that question is… a while! Wilson is a solid veteran that the Steelers can use as a shield for poor quarterback play. Justin Fields has performed well so far and deserves the start in Pittsburgh. However, if he stumbles, giving Wilson a playoff team to lead isn't a bad backup plan.

The only item on the Steelers' trade deadline checklist beyond releasing Wilson (if necessary) should be finding a No. 2 wide receiver opposite George Pickens. It's only been three weeks, but no receivers on the roster have separated yet.

The Titans are 0-3 and aren't going anywhere fast. Will Levis is not their quarterback of the future, and the only other young signalman they had was traded to Green Bay and arguably played better football there than Levis or Mason Rudolph.

What Tennessee has is outside weapons. Even if he is no longer the player he once was, DeAndre Hopkins should be a popular trade target for a team like Pittsburgh come November 5th. Hopkins was pedestrian through the first two weeks of this season, but was targeted far more frequently in the Titans' loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 3, with six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.

The Titans have weapons, but they don't have a reliable quarterback to help them compete. Call me overzealous, but I think Tennessee could surprise some experts in the rotten AFC South if they can find a quarterback by early November. Enter Mr. Unlimited.

At this stage of his career, Wilson is little more than a game manager, but he can get his top targets to the ball in space, and the Titans have a backfield that includes Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Even without Hopkins, Tennessee's wide receiver lineup, should he be dealt, is full, including Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks.

Wilson and Rudolph are essentially a veteran swap at this point. Rudolph played for the Steelers just last season and led them to the playoffs. Pittsburgh knows what he is capable of at his best. As for Hopkins, current rumors suggest a fifth-round pick will be enough to get the job done.