Mike Tomlin Told Russell Wilson He’s Steelers’ QB1 After Justin Fields Trade
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Despite acquiring Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears on Saturday, it sounds like the Pittsburgh Steelers won’t be faced with a quarterback competition this offseason.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reached out to Russell Wilson when the trade for Fields was completed and informed Wilson that he is still set to be the team’s starting quarterback in 2024.
There was a complete overhaul to the quarterback room in Pittsburgh this offseason. After Wilson was signed to a one-year deal following his release from the Denver Broncos, the Steelers surprisingly traded 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick (No. 98) and two 2025 seventh-round picks.
Once Pickett was shipped away, it didn’t take long for Pittsburgh to pivot to acquiring Fields, sending a 2025 sixth-round pick to Chicago that becomes a fourth-round pick if Fields plays 51 percent of the snaps on offense this season.
The Steelers now have a pair of quarterbacks in vastly different stages in their respective NFL careers. Wilson is hoping to revive his career in his 13th season after a disastrous two-year run in Denver, while Fields is trying to prove he has the capabilities of being a reliable starter after his up-and-down three-year tenure in Chicago.
While it sounds like Fields will not have a shot at winning the starting job during training camp, Rapoport pointed out that the 25-year-old “will compete, regardless.” He is one of the best young dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, so a change in scenery and a year of learning under a veteran like Wilson should be beneficial to him in the long run.
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