The Steelers has finally revealed their starting QB
Pittsburgh Steelers select their starting quarterback from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have already named Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, with Justin Fields set to be the backup after being traded from the Chicago Bears.
Russell Wilson will start for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Justin Fields serving as the backup quarterback. Fields was traded from the Chicago Bears for a sixth-round pick, despite many believing he could fetch a day-two pick.
The Bears are now expected to select Caleb Williams with the first pick in the NFL Draft. Fields will do his best in training camp and the preseason to compete for a starting spot, but it appears to be a tough battle because Pittsburgh has already made their decision.
According to the NFL Network, a Steelers source stated that Wilson would be the team’s starter despite the trade for Fields. Wilson, who has had a successful career over the last decade, has had a difficult few years since being traded to the Denver Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks.
After releasing Wilson, the Broncos will look to the NFL Draft for a replacement while still paying their former starter $35 million (£27.5 million) this season. This enabled the Steelers to sign Wilson on a minimum contract that cost them only $1.5 million (£1.18 million) against the salary cap for the 2024 season.
Fields and Wilson could be viewed as upgrades at the position for Pittsburgh this season, after second-year pro Kenny Pickett struggled last season, throwing only six touchdowns in 12 games. Pickett was selected with a first-round draft pick in 2022, which was viewed as a gamble at the time, before displaying flashes of brilliance in his rookie season.
However, he failed to improve on that season, regressing in his second year and losing his starting job to Mason Rudolph. Pickett was also traded this week, going to the Philadelphia Eagles to back up Jalen Hurts, with both teams exchanging picks in the transaction.
While Pittsburgh has two strong quarterback options, they must now make a concerted effort to add wide receivers to their roster, with George Pickens remaining the recognized starter through 2024.
The Steelers are expected to spend multiple draft picks at the position in a loaded offensive class. Both Wilson and Fields will be out of contract in 2025, and Pittsburgh may select a quarterback at some point in the draft.