The Pittsburgh Steelers have two quarterbacks coming off starting role with previous teams. But unlike a competition between Kenny Pickett and Russell Wilson, the addition of Justin Fields doesn't come with a QB battle, according to reports.
Well, not everyone believes that'll be the case. 25-year-old Fields was once believed to be a high-price passer when the Chicago Bears first started looking to trade him, and despite his price tag dropping and his role moving to a backup, it's not off the table he earns the job in Pittsburgh.
NFL Network's Steve Wyche believes, despite Wilson being granted the job right now, Fields isn't out of the running for Week 1.
"This is gonna be one of those teams to watch early on just to see how it figures out," Wyche said during an episode of The NFL Report. "Justin Fields I think is really, really gonna push Russ and could end up as the week one starter."
Wyche questions the early reports that Wilson has been granted the starting job despite not having taken a single snap for the Steelers. Apparently, Pittsburgh already has plans to extend the veteran quarterback at the end of the season, but Wyche isn't sold all of that will take place.
"If there is a coach in the NFL that’s gonna put the best players on the field, it is Mike Tomlin. We’ve seen that," Wyche said. "He’s got a history of playing whoever’s gonna give their team the best chance to win. And that’s just not a cliche with him, and if Justin Fields outperforms Russell Wilson in training camp, he will be the Week 1 starter."
Fields is 10-28 as a starter in the NFL but is 10 years younger than Wilson and has plenty of upside as a former first-round pick. The Steelers may open the summer up with Wilson as their No. 1, but should at least give Fields some reps with the starter just as security.
If he proves to be the better quarterback, maybe Wyche is right that he'll overstep Wilson as the starter.
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