The Pittsburgh Steelers have completely revamped their quarterback room this offseason. The 2023 quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph, who all saw game action, have moved on to different teams. In their place, the Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum and traded for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that Wilson is expected to start, with Fields having the opportunity to compete for the job. However, it’s Wilson's position to lose. When the Steelers acquired Fields, they expressed their desire for him to learn from Wilson. This strategy aims to equip the team to win now with the experienced Super Bowl champion Wilson while preparing for the future with Fields.
In his first three NFL seasons, Fields has impressed fans with his athleticism and quarterbacking abilities, though he has also displayed some significant flaws, throwing 40 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions. Fields played in a struggling system with the Bears, and the Steelers hope he can grow and improve under Wilson's mentorship.
During Organized Team Activities, Fields spoke to the media, praising Wilson for his leadership and the positive impact he’s already had on his development.
“It’s been great just learning from him every day. Just how detailed he is with everything. Just how he works. Everything he does. The way he acts around his teammates. He’s been great. A great teammate to me. A great mentor to me so it is awesome to have a guy like Russell in the room. You get to learn from him and kind of pick his brain on some stuff.”
Wilson has faced criticism recently, joining the Denver Broncos with high expectations to lead them back to Super Bowl contention. After signing a massive contract following his trade to the team, he managed to win only 11 games over two seasons. While many believe Wilson’s performance was disappointing, his 2023 stats tell a different story: he threw 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
This performance is a significant upgrade from what the Steelers’ quarterbacks achieved in 2023. Now, the Steelers are positioned with the best of both worlds. They are in win-now mode and better equipped for the 2024 season than they have been in many years, poised to surprise everyone and make a deep run. If Wilson struggles or isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback, they have a promising future with Fields ready to step up.
Steelers' Justin Fields May Steal The Job From Russell Wilson
Some pundits believe Fields will seriously challenge Wilson for the starting job, making the Steelers’ quarterback battle a major offseason storyline. The competition will focus on who is the best fit to lead the offense. However, after the 2024 season, the situation becomes more complex. The Steelers will need to decide on Wilson's future, and Wilson will have a say in his own career path. He will be playing in 2024 to prove he deserves an extension in Pittsburgh.
For now, this offseason has been a significant win for the Steelers. They have acquired two exciting quarterbacks with undeniable talent, albeit with some question marks. If either Wilson or Fields can realize their potential, this Steelers team could be special. Fields will particularly benefit from having a great leader like Wilson around him.
