Mike Tomlin addresses revamped QB room
The Steelers entered the offseason with one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. However, they have quickly rebuilt the room with the likes of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Wilson, 35, seems to have the inside track to starting but there's no arguing that Fields, 25, gives Pittsburgh the most upside for the long-term future.
So, when will Fields be given the opportunity to compete for QB1?
When that time will come is up for debate, but it seems the Steelers are going to give Wilson every opportunity to be their quarterback for the 2024 season, and rightfully so.
Wilson has been highly criticized for his two-year stint with the Broncos, but he didn't play bad by any means in 2023, throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
Of course, if Wilson's play declines once again in 2024, Pittsburgh will likely turn to Fields. For now, however, Tomlin and his coaching staff are focused on letting Fields develop behind Wilson.
"[Wilson's] just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar and I just think that that's something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from," Tomlin told reporters.
This doesn't mean the team won't use Wilson and Fields next season. There are several ways to use Fields, who is electric with the ball in his hands, outside of the normal QB1 position. But those hoping to see Fields early and often in 2024 should edit their expectations.
The Steelers wouldn't have traded for Fields if they didn't see his potential, even if it only cost a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick. However, patience is going to be the name of the game for Pittsburgh's quarterback situation.
It appears it's only a matter of time until the team gives Fields, who Tomlin says, "oozes talent," his chance to make his case as the future of the franchise.
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