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

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their starting quarterback.

As expected, the team named veteran Russell Wilson as the starter on Wednesday, ending the quarterback battle between him and Justin Fields. At least for the time being.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said it was a “difficult decision” to start Wilson over Fields, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

The Steelers completely reworked the quarterback position this offseason, allowing Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky to walk in free agency while trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wilson was signed in March to a one-year, $1.2 million prove-it contract after he was released by the Denver Broncos. The Broncos still owe Wilson $37.7 million for the 2024 season, so he was more apt to give Pittsburgh a discount.

Not long after, Fields was acquired from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick (that could rise as high as a fourth-rounder if Fields plays over 51 percent of Pittsburgh’s snaps this season).

Tomlin let it publicly be known that Wilson would enter training camp in “pole position” when it came to the quarterback competition.

“We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,” he told reporters at the time. “I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time. He’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, et cetera. He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar and I just think that that’s something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from.”

He left the door open for Fields to win the job, however.

“Rest assured when it’s time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete,” Tomlin said. “And we’ll allow those guys to sort themselves out.”

Wilson and Fields offered the Steelers contrast, at least in terms of where they stand in their respective careers. Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler and one-time champion, but there’s no doubt he’s regressed in his later years. There remain question marks as to whether he can ever regain a high level of play, given his struggles in Denver.

Fields is younger and more electrifying, showcasing big-play potential, but he’s struggled with more fundamental aspects of the position like accuracy, reading defenses and getting the ball out of his hands quickly. He’s prone to taking sacks, and there remain serious questions whether he can ever be more than a below-average passer.

For now, the Steelers are taking their chances with the wily veteran. But a rough stretch this season could provide Fields the opportunity to step in.