The Pittsburgh Steelers switched quarterbacks early this offseason, replacing Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Following a lengthy argument over who would be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2024, head coach Mike Tomlin provided clarity.
Tomlin had an important part in Pittsburgh’s acquisition of two new quarterbacks. He persuaded Wilson to sign with the Steelers despite interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants. He was also said to be one of the Steelers’ top supporters of Fields.
Russell Wilson’s salary is $1.21 million in 2024.
Related: An NFL executive believes the Pittsburgh Steelers may release Russell Wilson following training camp.
Wilson was Pittsburgh’s initial quarterback acquisition this spring, but his low contract and seeming lack of upside have led some to assume Fields will be the Steelers’ primary quarterback by 2024. However, Pittsburgh is already discussing a long-term contract for Wilson following the season.
Speaking with reporters on Sunday, Tomlin revealed the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart in the months leading up to minicamp and training camp this summer.
Tomlin stated that Wilson would hold the “pole position” in the room and is the early favorite to start for Pittsburgh in Week One. However, the Steelers’ coach made it obvious that Fields will have a chance to compete for the job.
“Rest confident, when it comes time to compete, Justin (Fields) will be given the opportunity, and we’ll let those guys sort themselves out. But I felt it was appropriate to express it in terms of how we got started.”
Justin Fields statistics 2023: 86.3 quarterback rating, 61.4 percent completion rate, 16-9 touchdown-interception ratio, 2,562 passing yards, 657 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry, and 4 rushing touchdowns in 13 games.
Who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2024?
While Wilson is the front-runner to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2024, the decision will eventually come down to which player fits better in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s playbook.
The schematic fit and each quarterback’s limitations are what make this position struggle so intriguing. Fields and Wilson have had the highest sack rates in the NFL over the last two seasons, and both quarterbacks use the middle of the field significantly less than many of their contemporaries. Smith’s system relies heavily on protecting the football and throwing between the hashes.
Whichever of Fields or Wilson shows that they can limit the frequency of their blunders and better tailor their skills to the plan will most likely be the Steelers’ starting quarterback. However, regardless of who starts in Week 1, both quarterbacks are sure to see action during the regular season. Notably, if Fields plays at least 51% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps this season, the Chicago Bears will earn a 2025 fourth-round pick.
