There’s a clear pecking order in Pittsburgh.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said newcomer Russell Wilson has “pole position” to be Pittsburgh’s 2024 starter, but fellow offseason addition Justin Fields will have his chance to make a bid.
“We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,” Tomlin said Sunday at the NFL owners meetings, according to ESPN. “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, etc. 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 added: “Rest assured when it’s time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete, and we’ll allow those guys to sort themselves out.”
The Steelers completely revamped their quarterback room this offseason by acquiring Wilson and Fields, while sending former fist-round pick Kenny Pickett to Philadelphia.
Having Fields and Wilson on the same roster could, in theory, create a quarterback competition, but it seems Tomlin wants to establish clear roles and control the narrative.
It’s not surprising that Wilson, for now, is the guy.
The Steelers chose to sign him before they traded for Fields, and he has been a more productive quarterback throughout his career, including last year.
Wilson threw 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions last year, while Fields, who is a better rusher than passer, tossed 16 touchdowns to nine interceptions.
Tomlin, though, still sees plenty of potential in Fields.
“Oh my gosh, he oozes talent and potential,” Tomlin said Monday, according to the Chicago Tribune. “He’s worn the responsibility of being a franchise quarterback, but still he gets an opportunity to come into a community-like situation and learn from a guy who’s been doing it for over a decade. Man, there’s a lot of mean left on that bone. I’m just excited about working to be a part of extracting that.”
It’s certainly not out of the realm of possibilities that Fields works his way onto the fields or Wilson’s play leads to a potential change, especially due to the lack of a long-term commitment.
The Steelers hope their new setup under center helps fuel a return to the playoffs.
“We’re just trying to field the best squad we can field in an effort to achieve our ultimate goal, which is to win the Super Bowl. and so, there are no guardrails to that now.” Tomlin said Sunday, according to ESPN. “We’re looking at all components of our team in all three phases in the effort to do so. The quarterback position obviously being a significant component of it, but I just think largely we move with the mindset that we were trying to improve ourselves in all areas.”