The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2024 season with two very capable quarterbacks on the roster. You can't name both of them the starting quarterback and as of right now, Russell Wilson is in pole position to win the job over Justin Fields. Wilson struggled in his last couple of seasons, but the Steelers are hoping a change of scenery and a new scheme can get him back to playing exceptional football. Fields is still young, so we'll see what the future holds for him in Pittsburgh, but it doesn't seem like he'll start from day one.
Ashlee Rezin / Chicago Sun Times
Former Denver Broncos quarterback, Russell Wilson, and former Chicago Bears signal-caller, Justin Fields, meet at midfield following a regular season NFL game in Chicago, IL.
It appears that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is leaving the door open for Fields to compete, but it's still Wilson's job to lose. Both quarterbacks were acquired for close to nothing from teams that no longer wanted them. Fields and Wilson both have a lot to prove if they want to continue on as starting quarterbacks in this league. Both quarterbacks are on one-year deals, so it's going to be really difficult for both Wilson and Fields to prove they can still be a starting quarterback in single season. While Fields is still young and could still have a lot of good years ahead of him, Wilson is 35 years old and on the tail end of his successful career. That doesn't mean Wilson's career is done, but it would be shocking if he played more than five more seasons and his best days are more than likely behind him. Fields could play another 10+ seasons if he can figure out how to become more consistent and use his incredible talent to win games.
On the Clean Pocket, Jay Gruden, Colt McCoy, A.Q. Shipley and Justin Pugh were discussing the Steelers' quarterback situation. Gruden was extremely clear about his opinions on the matter.
"If it were me, I'm going Justin Fields and I'm not even blinking. I don't think they knew he was going to be available and they got him for a steal. Russell's had his day in the sun, he's been to a Super Bowl, his days are behind him."
Gruden might be a little harsh on Wilson. He is out of his prime, but he threw 26 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions last season. The issue was that Wilson wasn't winning games. Fields hasn't been winning games either. He didn't have a winning record in any of his three seasons as the Chicago Bears starting quarterback and if he was winning games, he wouldn't be on the Steelers. These are two quarterbacks that their respective teams invested a lot into. The Denver Broncos gave Wilson a huge contract in 2022 and the Bears used a first round draft pick on Fields in 2021. These are two quarterbacks looking for a chance to revive their careers and Wilson will get the first crack at redemption.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson at Pittsburgh's voluntary offseason training program in 2024.
Steelers Quarterback Justin Fields Is The Best Option For A Run-Heavy Offense
Fields is oozing with talent. He can throw the ball extremely well and he's even better as a runner. In an offense where he's not asked to sit in the pocket every play and make throws, he could thrive. Fields can do some damage as a runner and set up some great play-action pass plays. Wilson can move around well, but he's nowhere near as good of an athlete as Fields. Both quarterbacks have the ability to thrive in that style of offense, but in different ways.
Later in the video, Gruden had more to say about Fields in Arthur Smith's offense.
"For them to win, if you're going to tell the quarterback, hey we're going to hand the ball off, we're going to throw 15 times a game, you want Justin."
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields runs away from Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton during a 2021 regular season game at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA..
Do you think the Steelers should start Justin Fields over Russell Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
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