Steelers HC spills beans on major challenges amid choosing Russell Wilson as QB1 over Justin Fields
On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback in their Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on September 8.
The team signed the veteran to a one-year $1.2 million contract after the Denver Broncos cut him at the end of the 2023 season. They also added former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields in exchange for a fifth round draft pick that could become a fourth rounder if he plays a certain number of snaps that the two teams agreed upon.
The Steelers decided to pit the two in training camp and preseason games to determine who would be their starting quarterback in Week 1. After evaluating the battle between the two, the team decided to go with Wilson.
During his media availability on Wednesday, coach Mike Tomlin said he was thoroughly impressed with both players.
"As we got into camp, it really got competitive. It became evident that the decision was going to be difficult. Justin's talents are more than I anticipated, particularly his mobility, the things that he can do and create was really exciting. Russ' deep ball is even more impressive than his reputation, and I've seen it for 10 plus years or more toward 15 years in the NFL. To be around it every day, it was really exciting," Tomlin said.
He added that the process was challenging and complicated as neither quarterback showed any critical weaknesses.
Tomlin's response suggests that the door is seemingly still open for Fields to take over as the starting quarterback if Wilson struggles. A situation like that would likely be devastating for the veteran's career.
Russell Wilson's contract: QB's future hinges on playing well in 2024
Following his unceremonious exit from the Broncos, Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers, hoping to rebuild his reputation. The quarterback had two dire campaigns with Denver, and the franchise willingly took an $85 million cap hit to get rid of the former Seattle Seahawks star.
Wilson's deal with the Steelers is akin to the one-year $4 million contract that Baker Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers during the 2023 offseason.
The quarterback bet on himself and signed a short-term deal with the team, who was looking for a new "signal caller" after Tom Brady's second retirement. Mayfield was exceptional in his debut season in Tampa, and he eventually signed a three-year $100 million contract extension with the team.
Wilson hopes to enjoy a similar revival with the Steelers, who have had no stability at the position since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021. However, if Wilson fails to impress, he could find himself with no suitors in 2025 — which would likely close the curtains on his career.