Steelers Have Clear Plan at Quarterback Following Justin Fields Trade, per Sources

It is not expected to be an open competition this summer in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears on Saturday, setting up Chicago to draft a new franchise quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

As for Pittsburgh, the franchise’s latest move concludes a busy week that has reshaped the team’s quarterback room. Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson was signed to a one-year deal to begin the week, and incumbent starter Kenny Pickett was shipped out of town to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday.

So, will Fields enter the fold and push Wilson in the quarterback room for the starting job?

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was upfront with Fields, and told him that Wilson is the starter, sources told Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer. Breer added that Fields told people around him that he’s excited for the new beginning in Pittsburgh.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was upfront with Justin Fields—told him that Russell Wilson is the starter, and Fields will work from there. Fields has told people he’s excited for the new beginning.

Tomlin’s connections at Ohio State run deep, so that didn’t hurt.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 16, 2024

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero heard the same, as a source told him that, “Russ is the starter.”

While Wilson will at least enter training camp as the starting quarterback, don’t expect Tomlin to hesitate if he believes Fields can enter the game and spark the offense. After all, having a backup with plenty of starting experience is a good problem to have.

It will be interesting to see it all unfold in Pittsburgh next season, with the offense expected to look much different.