As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves amid a quarterback competition that has fans and analysts alike buzzing. While veteran Russell Wilson appears to have the edge, the possibility of Justin Fields taking over as the starting quarterback remains very real.
Steelers beat reporter Brooke Pryor of ESPN provides a detailed breakdown of this intriguing battle for the starting QB spot.
The Current Landscape
In a recent appearance on the “Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show,” Pryor emphasized that the quarterback competition in Pittsburgh is far from settled. “I think that there is a competition,” Pryor stated, addressing the speculation that head coach Mike Tomlin has already decided on Wilson.
“I don’t know how realistic it is that that means that Justin Fields will start Week 1. I think that Mike Tomlin’s been very intentional in saying the phrase ‘pole position’ every time he talks about the quarterback depth chart.”
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Acquisition of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
The Steelers made headlines in March when they signed Russell Wilson to a team-friendly deal. Shortly after, they acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick. Despite these moves, Pittsburgh declined the fifth-year option on Fields’ rookie contract, leaving both quarterbacks’ futures with the team uncertain beyond this season.
Offensive Strategy and Playoff Hopes
Many believe that Wilson’s experience could guide the Steelers to a playoff berth, particularly with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith expected to lean heavily on the running game with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris
. However, Pryor remains skeptical. “I think there’s a ’50/50′ chance that Fields will replace Wilson as Pittsburgh’s QB1 at some point before Week 18,” she noted.
Pittsburgh Steelers Evaluating their Future
The Steelers’ decision to decline Fields’ fifth-year option was strategic. “That’s because when you look at the contract situations for both of those guys, they’re not under contract beyond this season,” Pryor explained. “So at some point, the Steelers have to evaluate Justin Fields to figure out, ‘Hey, we didn’t pick up his fifth-year option because we’re not gonna spend $25M on a guy that we haven’t seen with our own eyes in our system.'”
Russell Wilson’s Comeback Player of the Year Odds
Despite the uncertainty, Wilson’s potential impact has not gone unnoticed. As of Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed him fifth among the betting favorites at +1200 odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
For Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff, Wilson’s continued performance would mean less opportunity to evaluate Fields in meaningful game action.
Pittsburgh Steelers Strategy
As the Steelers prepare for the 2024 season, the quarterback competition remains one of the most compelling storylines. Will the seasoned Wilson lead the team to success, or will Fields seize the opportunity to prove himself as Pittsburgh’s future quarterback? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for the starting QB position in Pittsburgh is just heating up.
