After moving on from Kenny Pickett after just two years, the Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring other options at quarterback. This offseason, Pittsburgh welcomed Russell Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion, on a one-year deal after he was cut by the Denver Broncos. Additionally, Justin Fields was acquired through a trade with the Chicago Bears. But Wilson is favored to be the Week 1 starter.
However, with Fields’ superior size, speed, and youth, could he surprise everyone and secure the starting spot? Let's analyze the potential outcomes for the Steelers' quarterback situation.
Russell Wilson
Amazing things have come out of Russell Wilson's career, considering he was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Known for his exceptional leadership and playmaking abilities, Wilson quickly established himself as one of the league's elite quarterbacks. In Seattle, he helped guide them to two Super Bowl appearances and one world championship.
However, Wilson's recent years have been less stellar, particularly his tenure with the Denver Broncos. After his arrival in Denver, Wilson faced numerous challenges, including adapting to a new offensive system and overcoming injuries. His first season with the Broncos was particularly rough, marked by a career-worst 66.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Despite these struggles, Wilson exhibited resilience and improvement in his second year with the Broncos, achieving a 77.5 overall grade and a solid 26-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Now entering his 13th professional season and turning 36 years old, Wilson is poised for a fresh start with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His veteran presence is expected to be a stabilizing force for the team. Head coach Mike Tomlin has repeatedly expressed confidence in Wilson's ability to lead the offense effectively. Wilson’s experience, coupled with his competitive nature and ability to make plays under pressure, could be invaluable for the Steelers as they navigate a competitive AFC North division.
Justin Fields
Justin Fields, entering his fourth year in the NFL, presents a compelling case as the potential starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially selected by the Chicago Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields demonstrated his immense talent and athleticism during his tenure at Ohio State, leading many to believe he was destined for greatness in the pros. His journey in the NFL has had its ups and downs, but Fields has shown marked improvement with each passing season.
Fields' rookie year was a challenging one, marked by a 64.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF). However, he progressed significantly in his second year, ending the season with a respectable 74.6 PFF grade. This upward trend suggests that Fields is learning and adapting to the complexities of professional football. His athleticism is one of his most significant assets, as he has consistently been one of the league's most dynamic quarterbacks in terms of rushing. Throughout his 40 career games, Fields has averaged an impressive 55.5 rushing yards per game, showcasing his ability to extend plays and turn potential losses into significant gains.
Despite his ground prowess, Fields has two critical areas that need improvement: passing accuracy and avoiding sacks. To date, he has not surpassed a 62% completion rate, averaging a lifetime of 60.3% completion on 7.0 yards per attempt. Additionally, Fields has been sacked 99 times over the past two seasons, indicating a need for better pocket presence and decision-making under pressure.
Acquired by the Steelers as part of a trade with the Bears, Fields has a fresh opportunity to redefine his career. The trade that brought 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams to Chicago seemingly lit a fire under Fields, motivating the 25-year-old to prove his worth. With a supportive coaching staff and a roster teeming with potential, Fields could leverage his athleticism and growing experience to become a formidable starting quarterback for the Steelers. If he can refine his passing accuracy and work on evading sacks, Fields might surprise everyone by not just securing the starting role but excelling in it.
Final Thoughts
All NFL teams face quarterback controversies at some point, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception. With two talented quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers will do a solid evaluation of both players prior to the season opener. Most believe Wilson didn’t sign with Pittsburgh to be a backup and will almost certainly start in Week 1. However, only being on a one-year contract, if he struggles early on, the team could quickly move to Fields to take his place.
Both quarterbacks bring unique qualities to the table – Wilson has veteran experience and leadership while Fields has athleticism and potential for growth. No matter which direction the team goes in, the Steelers seem to be in good hands in the immediate future at the position.
