When the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field for their first offensive drive in 2024, either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will be under center.
The Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year deal in free agency and after trading Kenny Pickett, acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears. Whoever gets the nod this upcoming season, the Steelers are hoping to get improved quarterback play following multiple subpar seasons on offense.
Perhaps some improved quarterback play could change the Steelers’ playoff misfortunes. Pittsburgh last won a playoff game in 2016, one year before the team selected T.J. Watt in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
In that time, Watt has become one of the NFL’s best defensive players, but he’s never been part of a playoff-winning team. Watt hopes that changes in 2024, and that a new look at quarterback will help.
“I’m just hoping that I can learn something from those guys and hopefully, show them how things are done in Pittsburgh as well. What we’ve been doing,” Watt said, via PJ Green of FOX 4 in Kansas City. “I haven’t won a playoff game my whole career. So, I’m open to any type of information, where we can continue to get better. Hopefully, those guys can help us do that… It’s tough. It’s a very tough, competitive league. There’s so much parity, especially in our division. You look at all the quarterbacks. I’m just glad that we have one. It’s all about staying healthy and being on the rise. And that’s what we have to do this year.”
Steelers reportedly rolling with Russell Wilson as QB1
After completing the acquisition of Fields last week, head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly told Wilson that he’d be QB1 to open up the season. Wilson, 35, led the Broncos to a 7-8 record as starter this past season while throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Now he is set to join a Steelers team which started three different quarterbacks in 2023 yet still managed to finish 9-8 and make the playoffs.
“Super grateful to be here. Obviously to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Wilson said during his introductory press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “It’s a great tradition. To be able to compete and be able to go to work with these guys every single day is the gift of this game. Enjoying the process of it all.
“The reason I wanted to come here is because I wanted to win championships with Coach [Mike] Tomlin and the guys in the locker room. We got some amazing players, guys like Cam Heyward, a guy who has been [Walter Payton] Man of the Year, a guy who has impacted so many. Got to talk to him for a little while during this process. And then obviously Mr. T.J. Watt himself. Really should be defensive player, I don’t know how many times, maybe third, fourth time could have won it. Just tremendous athlete, player, competitor.
More must-reads: