It might not be as certain that Russell Wilson will start for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the team’s top quarterback as it has been suggested.
Wilson is presently expected to start the 2024 regular season, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, but “plans can change.”
Following the team’s acquisition of Justin Fields via a trade with the Chicago Bears, there were some concerns regarding Pittsburgh’s quarterbacking strategy.
Fields was informed by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin that Wilson would start and he would be the backup, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
When Wilson was signed by the Steelers, it was assumed he would start. When Kenny Pickett was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles, it became even more likely because he was allegedly not pleased with the team’s acquisition of Wilson.
However, Tomlin and the coaching staff will have little trouble saying whatever they want in March. When they observe Wilson and Fields in training camp and as the season approaches, it’s a very different story.
The Steelers and Wilson are not even wed. The thirty-five-year-old accepted a one-year deal worth the required $1.2 million for veterans. His statistics improved after he threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns in 15 starts with the Denver Broncos the previous season.
Wilson only placed 25th among all quarterbacks in terms of projected points added per dropback, according to Steven Ruiz of The Ringer, despite the fact that he had six touchdowns on scramble throws without a pick.
Fields, who is ten years Wilson’s junior, has occasionally displayed an intriguing skill set throughout his first three NFL seasons. Among his shortcomings is the fact that he has taken more sacks (135) than any other quarterback in the league in the last three years.
Fields’ 60.3 completion percentage is the fourth worst among quarterbacks with at least 500 attempts since 2021, behind only Zach Wilson (57.0), Sam Darnold (59.6), and Bryce Young (59.8).
But it’s hard to argue that Fields doesn’t have more upside than Wilson at this stage of their careers. He’s run for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns over the past three years. Last season was his best year as a passer with a 61.4 completion percentage, 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 starts.
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