Steelers name Wilson starting QB
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Russell Wilson over Justin Fields as their starting quarterback for the 2024 season, head coach Mike Tomlin announced Wednesday.
Wilson and Fields battled for the No. 1 quarterback position throughout training camp, though Tomlin said several times during the offseason that Wilson was in "pole position" to win the job.
Tomlin described the decision as "difficult," according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
Wilson missed time at the start of training camp due to a calf injury before returning to play in the Steelers' final two preseason games. The 35-year-old was held scoreless in his preseason debut but led a scoring drive in his lone opportunity of the finale against the Detroit Lions. Over both games, Wilson combined to complete 10 of his 12 passes for 73 yards.
Fields also impressed during the preseason with his dual-threat ability. He tallied 48 rushing yards and 199 passing yards across three games.
Although Fields didn't win the top quarterback job, Tomlin said packages involving the 25-year-old are "certainly on the table" and that the team is open to "weaponizing" the versatile signal-caller.
Wilson will be the Steelers' fourth different Week 1 starting quarterback in as many years following up Kenny Pickett in 2023, Mitch Trubisky in 2022, and Ben Roethlisberger in 2021.
Wilson and Fields came to Pittsburgh this offseason looking for fresh starts. The Steelers also cleaned out their quarterback room, trading Pickett - a former first-round pick - to the Philadelphia Eagles, cutting Trubisky, and letting Mason Rudolph walk in free agency.
A nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, Wilson struggled massively in his two seasons with the Denver Broncos, winning 11 of his 30 starts. The Broncos benched him to end the 2023 campaign and then released him.
The Steelers acquired Fields in a trade with Chicago after the Bears secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Over his career, Fields has a line of 40 touchdowns to 20 interceptions and 14 rushing touchdowns.
Pittsburgh kicks off its campaign with a visit to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 on Sept. 8.