Steelers Justin Fields Speaks On Competition vs. Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers overhauled their quarterback depth chart this offseason. Veteran Russell Wilson was signed after the Denver Broncos released him. After that, Justin Fields was acquired in a trade from the Chicago Bears.

They are going to replace, and hopefully be an upgrade over what the team has had in recent seasons. Kenny Pickett, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Mitchell Trubisky was released earlier in the offseason and veteran Mason Rudolph signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

During his first interview since the trade, Justin Fields revealed that the Steelers are where he wanted to go. But, he wasn’t sure it would happen after Russell Wilson signed there, as they still had Pickett at the time.

He felt relief when a trade was completed, and praised the work of Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Communication was good throughout as a trade didn’t blindside Fields and he appreciated being sent to a team he preferred to land with.

With the Steelers, Justin Fields isn’t going to be handed the job. He will have to take it from Russell Wilson, who he was told is the starter right now. That isn’t going to keep the Ohio State product from competing, as he wants to be the starter.

“I’m definitely competing,” Fields said. “I think Russ knows that we’re competing against each other every day. Him being out there for me, that helps me getting better, especially each other.

“I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting all year. I’m coming in every day giving it all I got and pushing him to be his best, and he’s pushing me to be my best each and every day.”

There have been some rumors swirling that the Steelers could use Justin Fields as their kick returner to take advantage of his running ability. But, that doesn’t sound like something which interests him, as he wants to become the team’s starting quarterback.

That will be one of the biggest storylines to keep an eye on this summer. The Steelers have a stellar defensive unit but their offense has let them down in recent seasons. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson will be looking to change that.