The Pittsburgh Steelers have two quarterbacks on their roster with extensive starting experience, but it sounds like one has already secured that role heading into the 2024 season.
Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were present for the start of the Steelers’ voluntary offseason training program this week. Fields spoke with reporters after Tuesday’s session and said he is of the mindset that he is competing for a starting job.
According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, that is nothing but wishful thinking from Fields. Kaboly wrote on Wednesday that there is “no chance” Fields will start over Wilson in Week 1, barring an injury.
“It doesn’t matter how well Fields plays in the spring or summer. The Steelers chose Wilson and will see it through, regardless of what coach Mike Tomlin, Wilson or Fields says over the next few months,” Kaboly wrote.
The Steelers signed Wilson with every intention of having him start, and their mindset has not changed. Wilson’s new teammates have praised the 35-year-old all offseason for his leadership. Even if no public declaration has been made that Wilson is the Week 1 starter, everyone in Pittsburgh seems to be operating as if the nine-time Pro Bowler is QB1.
Fields only cost the Steelers a conditional sixth-round draft pick. He is also 10 years younger than Wilson, so he has the potential to be Pittsburgh’s quarterback of the future in addition to being a reliable backup in the short term. Fields may even be involved in the Steelers’ offense in some capacity throughout the season, but it does not sound like he is truly competing for a starting job at the moment.
