Steelers Confirm Russell Wilson Will Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially declared their starting quarterback.

Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Chargers / Harry How/GettyImages

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have two new quarterbacks to work with this season, and despite the original thought being they will hold a competition this summer, they're now moving in a different direction. 

With the signing of Russell Wilson and then trade of Kenny Pickett, replacing him with the acquisition of Justin Fields, the Steelers have now switched their plans. Wilson and Pickett were set to compete, but now, Wilson holds the starting job over Fields. 

"We've been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start," Tomlin said. "I think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran. He's got a proven process of readiness. He's been in this league a long time. He's capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, etcetera. He's just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12 month calender, and I just think that's something that a younger guy like Justin can learn from. It provides clarity for all parties involved as they do some of the informal things that collectives do this time of year." 

Wilson, 35, is 10 years older than Fields and has nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring under his belt at this point in his NFL career. After signing a one-year deal, he's looking to return to his glory form in this league, and will get an opportunity to do so with the Steelers. 

That being said, Tomlin made it clear that a competition will take place, but that Wilson holds the upper-hand when they do take the field. 

"Rest assured, when it's time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete and we'll allow those guys to sort themselves out, but I thought it was appropriate to describe it in a way that I described as we get started," Tomlin said. "Russell's in pole position. I think his body of work justifies that. And just from my conversations with Justin, I know he's excited about working alongside Russell and maybe learning some of those veteran tricks of the trade and veteran things that he's picked up from being in this league for over a decade."

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