The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to have questions asked of them regarding who will be the starting quarterback in 2024. After adding two players who were both starters in 2023, there is plenty on either resume that shows they could be a fit for the job. Russell Wilson enters Pittsburgh with nine Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl Championship under his belt, while Justin Fields comes to town with the youth and speed of a player who has led all quarterbacks in rushing yards over the past two seasons at 1,800.
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Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson points towards some of his teammates as the offense prepares to run a drill during 2024 mandatory minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
Wilson was named the front runner for the job upon his signing early in the 2024 offseason. Though he initially was supposed to be in a quarterback competition with Kenny Pickett, the challenge has now moved to Fields, who has taken advantage of Wilson's calf injury early in camp to propel himself well into the conversation. Though the decision will ultimately be made by the coaches, it'll be up to the performances on the field by both players to determine who is named first on the depth chart.
During Kay Adams' visit to Latrobe on Saturday for practice, TJ Watt spoke on the Up and Adams show about which quarterback has given more hell to the Steelers defense this offseason.
"I mean they both are. I'm not going to give you that headline right now. I think they both have things they excel at. They're both mobile, which is a challenge in general. Just watch practice and they both command the huddle when they're in there. It'll be a tough decision; glad I'm not the one making it."
Both players may be deserving of the job, but there is a reason why a competition exists in the first place. Wilson comes off two subpar seasons in with the Denver Broncos following a trade from the Seattle Seahawks that was meant to propel the Broncos into immediate Super Bowl contention.
Fields was drafted with the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021, with the hope that he would be able to separate himself and bring the team back to relevance in the NFC North. Neither player has been able to meet those expectations over the past few seasons. Wilson and Fields both know that winning the job in Pittsburgh is the key to removing that mantra from their reputations.
Steelers' Handling of Wilson's Injury Provides a Clue To Decision
Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury that he suffered at the beginning of training camp. This injury has kept him from participating at a full capacity in camp thus far, but wasn't a factor during his participation with the team throughout the offseason. Wilson has done everything right as a veteran leader, such as instructing the new players and establishing chemistry with his receivers and offensive lineman.
Though it's certainly possible that the injury may be more substantial than the team is letting on, Head Coach Mike Tomlin may be resting Wilson simply to see how Fields responds.
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Mike Tomlin shrugs his shoulders at Steelers' Camp.
Most veteran players who will have a role on the team have had rest days in some capacity during camp such as Isaac Seamalu and Watt. Neither player is in a true competition for their starting spots, despite the potential of players behind them in Spencer Anderson and Nick Herbig. Having the veterans in the building allows the team to build its own culture while learning the playbook with their teammates. This could be the same approach with the quarterback room.
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Steelers QB's Justin Fields and Russell Wilson look on during practice.
At the age of 35, Wilson has fewer seasons in front of him compared to what he has already played. Fields, entering into the final year of his rookie contract can be the future of the team and get the needed reps to build his confidence with the team beyond 2024.
The Steelers like to give the veteran players the chance to play their way out of a starting role. It happened with the offensive line in 2023, and it appears to be how things will be handled this season. Fields can certainly be the starter at some point this season, but all signs currently point to Wilson starting Week 1 regardless of his snap count during camp.
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