The Pittsburgh Steelers had to re-work their roster during the 2024 offseason if they wanted to be able to compete in the AFC moving forward. They made a splash in free agency by signing linebacker Patrick Queen, and they also dealt Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers which helped acquire a starting-caliber cornerback in Donte Jackson. However, the biggest highlight of the 2024 offseason has been the changeover in the quarterback room.
Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson looks up at the scoreboard during a game with the Denver Broncos
After Pittsburgh released Mitch Trubisky shortly after the conclusion of the 2023 season, Kenny Pickett became the only quarterback on the Steelers roster who was under contract for 2024. It was obvious additions would be made at the quarterback position, and Pittsburgh quickly pounced on Russell Wilson. Shortly after, they dealt Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, and then acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke with the media on Sunday during the NFL's annual meetings, he mentioned that the team had their eyes on both Wilson and Fields, but was shocked they were able to get both.
Mike Tomlin said Steelers went into offseason knowing they would add to QB room with only one on roster. He said they "zeroed in" on Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Thought they could get one but credited Omar Khan for getting both.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) March 24, 2024
Wilson is an experienced veteran, and Fields is young with some experience. Fields can definitely benefit from learning from a guy like Wilson who has seen a lot of success in his career, and both players have a pretty similar play style. The expectation is that Wilson will be the starter, and Fields will be ready to go when needed from the backup role. Both quarterbacks should be considered an upgrade from the organizations quarterback situation in 2023.
Mike Dinovo / USA TODAY Sports
Justin Fields keeps his eyes forward while running with the ball during a Chicago Bears game
Pittsburgh deciding to move on from Pickett was certainly a shock, considering he was the team's first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The expectation was for the Steelers to bring in a veteran for Pickett to compete with, but once Wilson arrived it was clear he had the leg up on Pickett which led to Pickett wanting to move on from Pittsburgh. Tomlin gave some more insight on the Steelers deciding who to bring in at quarterback, reported by Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
"Probably the goal was to get one guy initially. But through conversation and work, I can't give Omar enough credit, we were able to to acquire both guys."
The Steelers now have two quality, starting caliber quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Pickett, Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph - who all started games for Pittsburgh in 2023, are set to be backups in their new homes in 2024. An upgrade at the position was expected, but bringing in a Super Bowl champion and a young player with a lot of upside was more than any fan could have asked for.
Michael Reaves / Getty Images
Steelers' quarterback Russell Wilson and Justin Fields meet on the field following a 2023 matchup
Steelers Are Expected To Start Wilson In 2024
Wilson is coming off of a season where he threw for 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, he was not a part of Sean Payton's future plans with the Denver Broncos, so he was released. He was one of the better starting quarterbacks in the league for most of the 2023 season, and will certainly elevate the Steelers offense in 2024 under new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Wilson will be playing for his next contract, as he is currently on a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the Steelers.
Who do you want to see start in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
