Retired NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson isn’t a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers possibly creating special packages for quarterback Justin Fields assuming veteran Russell Wilson begins the upcoming season as the club’s starting signal-caller.

“I don’t like the gimmicky, using him in a [Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints] role,” Johnson said about Fields during the latest edition of the “Nightcap” program, per Jeremy Pike of Steelers Depot. “I don’t like taking out Russell Wilson and getting him off-track, off-rhythm when it comes to running an offense. … Allow Russell Wilson to take control of the helm and do what needs to be done on that team.”

By most accounts, Wilson is on track to serve as Pittsburgh’s QB1 when the AFC North club opens the 2024 campaign at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8. The 35-year-old said earlier this week that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith creating unique packages for Fields could “strike fear in some defenses,” largely because of Fields’ remarkable athleticism.

Pittsburgh isn’t married to either Wilson or Fields beyond the 2024 season, but could sign the 25-year-old to a short-term contract extension to hold onto his rights through the 2025 campaign. As much as Fields may want to impress teammates and his new coaching staff following his three-year stint with the Chicago Bears, Johnson indicated that the 2021 first-round draft pick needs to think about his future.

“I understand he’s a dual-threat quarterback,” Johnson added about Fields. “He has certain things that he does very well. Obviously, he can throw the ball. Obviously, he can run the ball as well.

… I think Justin Fields needs to not allow them to make him somewhat of a gimmick with these special plays and stay true to yourself as a starting quarterback, which he will be next year for the Steelers. Don’t start that gimmicky stuff because they will see you and view you as just that, a gimmick.”

One problem with Johnson’s take is that Wilson turns just 36 years old this coming November and could earn a new deal from the Steelers if he plays as well in Smith’s offense as some expect. For now, all Fields can do is practice as if he’s involved in a legitimate quarterback competition regardless of whether or not that’s actually the case.