The Pittsburgh Steelers made some bold moves this offseason, beginning with signing Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. This decision led to trading away quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was unhappy with Wilson's arrival. Shortly after, Pittsburgh seized the opportunity to trade for former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields.
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Steelers' Justin Fields and Russell Wilson chat during camp.
The Steelers' quarterback situation has been a major headline all offseason. While many insiders believed Wilson would be the starter, it wasn’t confirmed until Wednesday when Mike Tomlin officially named him as the Week 1 starter. Tomlin expressed admiration for Fields' exceptional athleticism, particularly his rushing ability and mobility, and hinted that special plays for Fields are definitely on the table.
QB Russell Wilson spoke to the media following practice. pic.twitter.com/5N48bTZolj
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 28, 2024
Following the announcement that Wilson would be the starter, Wilson addressed the Pittsburgh media. When asked if he would support special packages for Fields, Wilson laughed and replied that he wasn’t against the idea.
"Hey listen, I think that obviously Justin's ability to find the end zone over the years," Wilson said. "I have been able to score a lot of touchdowns and him as well. Listen, whatever it takes to find another touchdown in there is always a good thing."
Fields has rushed for 14 touchdowns in his three-year career, while Wilson has scored 29 rushing touchdowns over his 12-year career. Both quarterbacks are highly mobile and can be dangerous on the ground.
Mark Tenally / AP
Former Seahawks QB Russell Wilson runs with the football.
However, at 35 years old, Wilson no longer has the same mobility he once did. Fields, on the other hand, still has that explosiveness, which is why the Steelers are considering special plays designed specifically for him.
There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the Steelers' quarterback situation. The national media has spent considerable time debating who is best suited to lead the Steelers' offense this season. Opinions vary, but the consensus is that Fields is the more exciting option.
At 10 years younger than Wilson, Fields possesses a lot of untapped potential, though many wonder if he’ll ever fully realize it. Some believe that being in Pittsburgh could help him learn from Wilson and develop into a better quarterback when his time comes.
In fact, reports indicate that when the Steelers traded for Fields, they informed him that they wanted him to take time to learn from Wilson. While Fields has immense potential, his turnover issues have raised significant concerns. Additionally, his win-loss record has been underwhelming, but this was largely due to the challenging circumstances he faced with the Bears.
It’s clear that Tomlin and the Steelers see Wilson as their best chance to win now. The team is stacked at almost every position except slot cornerback and wide receiver, making their roster built to compete for Super Bowls. However, poor quarterback play has held them back in recent seasons, which is one of the main reasons why the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016.
Steelers Must Decide Which QB They Want To Go With After The 2024 Season
The Steelers view Wilson as their top option for immediate success, while Fields is seen as a potential future franchise quarterback. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers evaluate Fields in a backup role this season, as they face a tough decision after 2024.
AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields talk while they get warmed up for camp.
Currently, both Fields and Wilson are affordable, but their price tags will increase after the season. The Steelers will need to decide which quarterback they want to move forward with, as it’s unlikely they’ll pay big money to both. How Wilson performs in the upcoming season will play a significant role in that decision.
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