Russell Wilson Named Steelers’ QB1 Over Justin Fields; Will Start Week 1 vs. Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers non-public their starting quarterback.

As anticipated, the crew named extinct Russell Wilson as the starter on Wednesday, ending the quarterback battle between him and Justin Fields. As a minimum for the time being.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stated it used to be a “complex option” to open Wilson over Fields, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

The Steelers entirely transformed the quarterback space this offseason, permitting Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky to stroll in free company while trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wilson used to be signed in March to a one-12 months, $1.2 million expose-it contract after he used to be launched by the Denver Broncos. The Broncos level-headed owe Wilson $37.7 million for the 2024 season, so he used to be extra lawful to give Pittsburgh a discount.

No longer long after, Fields used to be obtained from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-spherical pick (that will per chance well well upward thrust as high as a fourth-rounder if Fields performs over 51 p.c of Pittsburgh’s snaps this season).

Tomlin let it publicly be identified that Wilson would enter coaching camp in “pole space” when it came to the quarterback competition.

“We’ve been very clear about the pecking expose, at the least to open,” he advised journalists at the time. “I true think that affords clarity for all parties fervent. Russell is a extinct, man. He’s purchased a proven assignment of readiness. He’s been on this league a long time. He’s in a position to rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, et cetera. He’s true purchased somewhat plenty of abilities by formula of what it takes to be the man over the route of a 12-month calendar and I true think that that’s something that a younger man fancy Justin would possibly per chance well well learn from.”

He left the door launch for Fields to accumulate the job, alternatively.

“Relaxation assured when it is time to compete, Justin would possibly be given an opportunity to compete,” Tomlin stated. “And we are going to enable those guys to form themselves out.”

Wilson and Fields equipped the Steelers distinction, at the least by formula of the assign they stand of their respective careers. Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler and one-time champion, however there would possibly be no longer any query he’s regressed in his later years. There dwell query marks as as to whether he can ever accept a high diploma of play, given his struggles in Denver.

Fields is younger and extra electrifying, showcasing good-play seemingly, however he’s struggled with extra primary aspects of the gap fancy accuracy, finding out defenses and getting the ball out of his hands like a flash. He’s vulnerable to taking sacks, and there dwell serious questions whether he can ever be bigger than a below-life like passer.

For now, the Steelers are taking their probabilities with the wily extinct. But a rough stretch this season would possibly per chance well provide Fields the opportunity to step in.