The Pittsburgh Steelers made sweeping changes to the quarterback room after the 2023 season ended in what's become an all-too-familiar feeling of sneaking into the playoffs, only to crash and burn in the first round. The organization brought in Super Bowl-winning veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and a former 11th overall pick in Justin Fields, with eyes on getting a playoff win that has eluded the franchise since the 2016 season. Wilson will likely be the team's starting quarterback, but with Fields' dynamic running ability, there have been plenty of questions about whether Pittsburgh will find ways to get the former 1,000-yard rusher into the game plan.
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Former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields uses his legs to try and escape defenders during a professional football game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, PA.
Wilson was asked about the possibility of Fields being used in a way like Bill Cowher used Kordell Stewart early in his career. The veteran expressed his openness to the idea in quotes made to Tim Benz of Tribune-Review after practice on Wednesday.
"Justin is obviously one of the most talented guys in the NFL,” Wilson said. “You know all the things he can do. The player, the quarterback that he is. He’s dynamic. It’s all about us winning. That’s the focus. I think it would strike fear in some defenses, that’s for sure.”
Pittsburgh used Stewart in his patented "Slash" role during his first two seasons in the league after the team drafted him in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft out of Colorado. In his rookie season, Stewart threw only seven passes for five completions and one touchdown. He also had 14 receptions for 235 yards, a touchdown, and 86 rushing yards. It earned him fourth place in AP Offensive Rookie of the Year votes. He continued to be used in that role in 1996, but Pittsburgh gave him more opportunities as a passer.
Stewart threw 30 passes for 11 completions that season while continuing to play his versatile role. He also amassed 171 yards rushing with five touchdowns, including an 80-yard touchdown scamper in the regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers. He continued to get work in the passing game as a receiver, catching 17 of 42 targets for 292 yards and a touchdown. Stewart became the team's starting quarterback in 1997.
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Kordell Stewart (#10) runs away from Cincinnati Bengals defenders during a game in November 2002.
It seems like Pittsburgh might possibly have a similar strategy in place for Fields. He's an athletic weapon the team can utilize, even if he won't be the team's primary starting quarterback. They'll need to monitor his snap count to avoid sending a fourth-round pick to the Chicago Bears in 2025 instead of a sixth-round pick. However, evaluating Fields' potential may be more crucial than the draft pick they might give up. Fields told Benz on Tuesday after practice that he's open to taking on a Stewart or Taysom Hill-type role if the team asks him to. He added that he hasn't been approached about anything like that yet, as the team has remained focused on installing the plays from a new offense.
Steelers Roster Features Two Franchise Quarterbacks, But At Different Stages
Mike Tomlin has emphasized the importance of players being designated as the franchise quarterback and understanding the accompanying responsibilities. He discussed this with former starting and backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, drafted second overall by the Bears in 2017. In many ways, the team has two players with similar pedigrees, but at different stages in their careers.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson at Pittsburgh's voluntary offseason training program in 2024.
Wilson is attempting to show that he is still the elite player he was during his nine-time Pro Bowl tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, Fields is eager to prove that Chicago made a hasty decision in moving on from him in favor of the next new quarterback sensation. Wilson told Benz he believes Fields deserves the moniker.
"Justin is a franchise quarterback," he said. "He’s a guy that can do a lot of amazing things. So, we have two dynamic guys that can do a lot of special things.”
Pittsburgh hopes that Wilson has enough special talent left to be enough to get a playoff win in 2024. As for Fields, it's still too early to figure out if he will get some way to prove how special he is on gameday, but Pittsburgh will be evaluating to see if he can be their future in many different ways.
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