The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves this offseason to overhaul their quarterback room, bringing in veteran Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. This sparked widespread debate among pundits about who should start in Pittsburgh. While many close to the team expected Wilson to be the starter, some in the national media believed there was a genuine quarterback competition.
USA Today
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson shake hands after a game.
On Wednesday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin put the speculation to rest, officially naming Wilson as the starter—a decision that didn’t come as much of a surprise.
"I met with both quarterbacks just a few minutes ago after practice and I informed them that Russ is QB1 going into Week 1. It was a difficult decision but not difficult in a negative way to be quite honest with you. It was difficult in a positive way."
While Steeler Nation wasn’t particularly surprised, Tomlin acknowledged that the decision was difficult. He also hinted at Fields' mobility being of special interest, suggesting that Steelers fans might still see Fields in certain running packages. Tomlin remained consistent throughout the offseason in his view of Wilson, and it seemed the right time to finally make the official announcement.
NFL.com
Steelers' Justin Fields throwing the football during OTAs.
At the start of training camp, Wilson missed the first few practices due to a sore calf injury, giving Fields a significant opportunity to work with the starters—and he reportedly turned heads. Fields, at 25 years old, is an exciting option with legitimate long-term potential, while the 35-year-old Wilson brings experience. Despite Fields' promise, Tomlin seems to believe that Wilson is the best quarterback to lead the team right now. With the Steelers in win-now mode, they see Wilson as the key to getting them back into contention.
When the Steelers traded for Fields, they reportedly told him they wanted him to learn from Wilson, suggesting Fields still has a role in the team's future. If Wilson struggles during the 2024 season, Fields could get a chance to step in and take over the starting job.
While Wednesday’s announcement settled the immediate quarterback decision, the debate is far from over. The Steelers will have to make crucial decisions about their future after the 2024 season, and Wilson’s performance will play a significant role in shaping their strategy.
Steelers Should Have Big Upgrade In Russell Wilson At QB
After enduring poor quarterback play during the 2023 season, Steelers fans are hopeful that Wilson can be a significant upgrade. With Wilson now the official starter, there's excitement about the possibility of him elevating Pittsburgh back into Super Bowl contention.
Mark J. Terrill / AP
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Inglewood, California.
There's also some worry as Wilson has won just 11 games over the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos. While Wilson's downfall has been broadcasted big time from the national media. Wilson is unfazed about his lack of success in Denver. He remains optimistic that he can turn things around in Pittsburgh. Wilson passed for 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions during the 2023 season. If he can do that in 2024, the Steelers should be a very good football team.
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