The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant headlines this offseason with their acquisitions of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion quarterback, was signed to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. This move was made even more thrilling by the fact that the Denver Broncos are covering the remainder of his contract.
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Steelers' quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields meet on the field following a 2023 matchup.
This means the Steelers secured a top-tier quarterback at an incredible value. Additionally, Omar Khan showcased his negotiating prowess by patiently waiting for Fields' value to decrease before successfully trading for the young and promising quarterback with just a sixth-round conditional pick.
Immediately after the Steelers traded for Fields, reports surfaced indicating that Wilson would assume the starting role, with Fields as his backup. This decision seems logical given Wilson's extensive accomplishments in the NFL and his seniority at 35 years old, compared to Fields' 25 years.
It appears the Steelers are positioning Wilson as the current quarterback while possibly grooming Fields as the franchise's future. This sparked speculation among fans and pundits about whether Wilson's starting position is guaranteed for the entire season and how short his leash might be.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin speaks to the Pittsburgh media.
On Sunday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin took time to speak to members of the Pittsburgh media, including reporter Mike DeFabo. One of the most popular topics of discussion was the new quarterback room, with Tomlin fielding questions about whether Fields would have any chance to compete for the starting job.
"Rest assured when it's time to compete, Justin [Fields] will be given an opportunity to compete and we'll allow those guys to sort themselves out. But I thought it was appropriate to describe it in a way to describe it in terms of how we get started."
According to Tomlin's recent statements, it appears that the starting quarterback position for the Steelers is far from being a lock for Wilson. With the preseason looming and the offseason still in full swing, the unfolding dynamics of the team's quarterback situation promise to be intriguing and closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
What truly adds to the anticipation is the prospect of seeing both Wilson and Fields in action during training camp. Wilson has already given glimpses of his dedication and improvement through his social media updates. Notably, a quarterback mechanics coach has lauded Wilson's efforts, highlighting significant improvements in areas that posed challenges for him during his tenure in Denver. Similarly, Fields has been actively showcasing his commitment and preparation through his social media presence, indicating a strong determination to make an impact.
Moreover, Wilson's expressed enthusiasm about the Steelers' decision to bring in Fields suggests a positive and collaborative atmosphere within the quarterback room. This sentiment bodes well for team cohesion and competition, as it indicates a willingness among the quarterbacks to push each other to excel and contribute to the team's success.
In essence, regardless of how the quarterback situation ultimately unfolds, it is evident that the Steelers' quarterback room is poised to maintain a healthy and competitive environment. As the preseason progresses and the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Wilson and Fields as they vie for the starting role, further adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the team's quarterback dynamics.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has Always Been A Huge Fan Of Justin Fields
When Fields was coming out of college at Ohio State, Tomlin was a huge fan. ESPN's Adam Schefter even reported that Tomlin remained a supporter of Fields early this offseason. This fueled rumors of the Bears trading Fields to the Steelers, which eventually came true. There's even a video of Fields throwing at his pro day, with Tomlin telling him, "You know who we're here to see."
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Justin Fields runs away from former Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton during a 2021 regular season game.
While Tomlin has always been a big fan of Fields, it doesn't guarantee him better odds to start in 2024. However, it's worth noting. Tomlin is playing it smart for now, stating that Wilson is the starter as they get started. But don't underestimate Fields' potential to shake things up in that quarterback room.
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