Steelers' Arthur Smith Confirms QB Competition Is Legitimate: "Both Those Guys Knew That"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an active offseason, and the organization has found itself in the middle of many headlines. The biggest talking point has been about acquiring another star receiver, while coming in second place has been discussions about a potential quarterback competition. The Steelers acquired both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the 2024 offseason, and Wilson has been the presumed starter. However, with minicamp heating up, that may not be the case. 

Wilson has been said to be in "pole position" to be the starter on many occasions. Head Coach Mike Tomlin clearly plans to give Wilson the benefit of the doubt when it comes to starting Week 1, but that doesn't rule out Fields having a spectacular preseason and potentially taking the starting job. Pittsburgh is slowly inching towards training camp, and Arthur Smith gave his thoughts on the quarterback situation, as well as the upcoming competition at the position.

"Mike has said it on the record, Russell's in pole position. It's a competition, obviously we'll get to Latrobe and I'm sure things will heat up. Both those guys knew that, however they were acquired, and they got here and I think it's been pretty transparent, and I know Mike has said that on the record as well." 

This all but confirms that there will be some level of competition between Fields and Wilson for the starting job. Wilson will have a bit of a head start in the battle to be the starter, due to his success and experience in the league. It will be interesting to see how the reps are split up with the first team between the two quarterbacks. Wilson will likely take the majority of the snaps in practice, but Fields should be given some reps as well if this is going to be a legitimate competition.

The good news is that the Steelers now have two starting-caliber quarterbacks on their roster, but the bad news is the distractions that come with a quarterback competition. The topic will be discussed nearly everyday, and players on the roster have already said they are walking on eggshells in the locker room. 

Pittsburgh has had quarterback competitions in the past. In 2023, Kenny Pickett was the unquestioned starter going into the season. However, when Pickett was going into his rookie season in 2022, he started at the bottom of the depth chart. This is common practice for Pittsburgh and their rookies, but Pickett never really seemed to be given the opportunity to become the starter before the season. He took over for Mitch Trubisky shortly after the season began.

A quarterback competition can be especially distracting when a team is trying to implement a new offense, which the Steelers are doing under Smith. Due to this, it can be assumed that this competition will be real, and Fields will actually be given a shot to show up Wilson to take the starting job. 

The situation will become more clear once training camp begins and the preseason kicks off, but for now, it is confirmed that there will be some level of competition at quarterback.

Steelers' Justin Fields Will See The Field In 2024 Regardless

Fields should be given the opportunity to become the starter before the season begins, but even if he doesn't win the job, fans should expect to see him a good amount. His pure athleticism and running ability makes him extremely useful in Smith's run-heavy offense. There will likely be some sort of option package that will feature Fields.

The Steelers also have a difficult schedule, especially in the second half of the season. If Wilson struggles before that rough stretch arrives, he could be in jeopardy of being replaced by Fields. If the Steelers don't seem to have a realistic chance of making the postseason, Fields could also be played so the Steelers can get a better idea of whether or not to re-sign him once his contract expires after the 2024 season.

Who do you want to see at quarterback? Do you like the idea of a competition? Comment below.

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