Russell Wilson in ‘pole place’ to be Steelers beginning QB regardless of Fields commerce | Pittsburgh Steelers

Russell Wilson is main the race to be Pittsburgh’s beginning quarterback subsequent season. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated on Monday that Wilson is taken into account the crew’s starter however that the just lately acquired Justin Fields will get an opportunity to compete.

“We’re not immune to competitors, however as I’ve talked about a number of occasions of late, I simply suppose it’s acceptable to determine positioning … and the time period that I’ve used is Russell has pole place,” Tomlin stated. “And why do I exploit that time period? As a result of throughout this time the place we aren’t formally working, I simply suppose it’s useful. His expertise within the Nationwide Soccer League, his course of has been honed and perfected.

“Speaking about over a 12-month calendar, it’s not solely good for him, it’s good for groups, it’s good for receivers, tight ends, working backs, and so on. All of the issues that folks actually dedicated to profitable do that time of the yr, Russell has these sources, that construction. And in order that’s why I say he has pole place. It simply creates a synergy that I believe is nice for this time of yr. When it’s time to compete and we get in coaching camp-like settings and we’re going to stadiums and so forth, clearly Justin be given a chance to indicate folks.”

The Steelers revamped their quarterback room earlier this month, signing Wilson to the $1.2m veteran’s minimal contract after the nine-time Professional Bowl quarterback was launched by Denver.

Kenny Pickett, the crew’s first-round choose in 2022, requested for a commerce after Wilson’s arrival, Tomlin stated. Pittsburgh despatched him to Philadelphia and bought Fields, a first-round choose in 2021, from Chicago for a conditional sixth-round selection in 2025.

The Steelers additionally let Mason Rudolph (Titans) and Mitch Trubisky (Payments) depart in free company.

The 35-year-old Wilson was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos after being acquired in a commerce from Seattle. He bounced again from a dreadful 2022 season and threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and solely eight interceptions, however nonetheless misplaced his job to Jarrett Stidham after going 7-8 in coach Sean Payton’s first season final yr.

Wilson led Seattle to eight playoff appearances and a Tremendous Bowl title in 10 seasons with the Seahawks.

“When the free company course of started, we solely had one quarterback on our roster and so we have been taking a look at each obtainable particular person in the marketplace,” Tomlin stated. “It was simply a part of our course of. Clearly after we bought into it, and after [Wilson] bought permission to speak. … the conversations have been very fluid and pure. He did his acceptable analysis on us, and I believe that’s most likely one of many extra spectacular issues concerning the course of from my perspective. His stage of preparedness when it comes to realizing us and who we’re and the way he may probably match simply actually put us relaxed over the method.”

Fields was 10-28 on struggling groups in Chicago however confirmed flashes of being an electrical playmaker. He accomplished 60% of his passes and threw for 40 landing with 30 interceptions in his time with the Bears. He additionally ran for two,220 yards and 14 scores.

“He oozes expertise and potential,” Tomlin stated. “He’s worn the accountability of being a franchise quarterback, however nonetheless he will get a chance to come back right into a community-like scenario and be taught from a man that’s been doing it for over a decade. Man, there’s quite a lot of meat left on that bone and I’m simply excited.”