Following his release from the Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson attracted immediate interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the allure of other teams, Wilson ultimately opted for Pittsburgh, although the Steelers reportedly offered little clarity regarding their quarterback plans for the 2024 season.
Initially, Wilson’s signing suggested he would assume the starting quarterback role over Kenny Pickett. However, within a short span, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Steelers acquired Justin Fields, introducing legitimate competition for Wilson.
Despite Wilson’s solid performance in Sean Payton’s system last season, there is a prevailing belief in the NFL that his statistics were somewhat inflated. While still regarded as a starting-caliber quarterback, Fields’ dual-threat capabilities and potential as a passer present a genuine challenge for Wilson in the upcoming training camp.
New York’s failure to secure Wilson stemmed from their unwillingness to guarantee him the starting position. Las Vegas swiftly signed Gardner Minshew to a lucrative two-year deal but also refrained from assuring him the starting role, similar to Wilson’s situation in Pittsburgh.
According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, the Steelers did not promise Wilson the starting quarterback position for 2024. Instead, Pittsburgh emphasized that the role must be earned, a challenge Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion, welcomed.
While Wilson may appear to be the frontrunner to start in Week 1, the competition between him and Fields is expected to be closely contested. Both quarterbacks face challenges fitting into offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme, as they typically avoid throws over the middle. Additionally, they share similar weaknesses such as high sack rates and turnovers, making their battle one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming summer.
Currently, it is presumed that Wilson will begin the season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. However, both he and Fields are likely to receive ample opportunities to showcase their abilities throughout the season. The standout performer could secure a new contract from Pittsburgh in the subsequent offseason.