The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially named Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback for the 2024 season, head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Wednesday. Wilson was chosen over Justin Fields after a competitive battle for the top spot throughout training camp.
During the offseason, Tomlin repeatedly indicated that Wilson was in “pole position” to secure the starting job. Despite this, the decision was described as “difficult,” according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
Wilson, 35, missed the beginning of training camp due to a calf injury but returned to participate in the final two preseason games. He was scoreless in his first preseason appearance but led a scoring drive in his only opportunity during the finale against the Detroit Lions. Across both games, Wilson completed 10 of 12 passes for 73 yards.
Fields, 25, also had a strong preseason, showcasing his dual-threat abilities with 48 rushing yards and 199 passing yards over three games. While he did not secure the starting quarterback role, Tomlin mentioned that packages involving Fields are “certainly on the table,” and the team is considering “weaponizing” his versatile skills.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Steelers will have a different Week 1 starting quarterback, following Kenny Pickett in 2023, Mitch Trubisky in 2022, and Ben Roethlisberger in 2021.
Both Wilson and Fields joined the Steelers during the offseason, seeking fresh starts. The team overhauled its quarterback room by trading Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, releasing Trubisky, and allowing Mason Rudolph to enter free agency.
Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, faced challenges in his two seasons with the Denver Broncos, winning only 11 of his 30 starts. The Broncos benched him at the end of the 2023 season before releasing him.
Fields was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Chicago Bears after the Bears secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Over his career, Fields has accumulated 40 touchdowns to 20 interceptions, along with 14 rushing touchdowns.
The Steelers will begin their 2024 campaign with a visit to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 on Sept. 8.
