After trading away former starting quarterback Kenny Pickett earlier this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers are embracing a new era at the position. However, it remains to be seen who will start in 2024, with two intriguing options.
Russell Wilson appears to be the favorite to win the Steelers’ starting job, but a calf injury has sidelined him during training camp. That now leaves the door open for Justin Fields to make an impression on Pittsburgh’s coaching staff ahead of the regular season.
Who Will Win the Battle Between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields?
Wilson is a proven starting NFL quarterback, while Fields enjoyed an inconsistent tenure with the Chicago Bears. Both players needed a change of scenery following last season, and each landed in Pittsburgh as a result.
As Pittsburgh prepares for the team’s first preseason game, head coach Mike Tomlin has already ruled Wilson out. Therefore, Fields will start the game and have a chance to showcase his dual-threat ability.
According to Louis Riddick of ESPN, he believes Fields is on the trajectory to be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback come Week 1.
"I have a feeling based on my conversations that if Justin can continue to ascend like he is looking in practice, he's going start Week 1, he's going to be the opening day starter."
–@LRiddickESPN on the #Steelers starting QB competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields pic.twitter.com/Hp5KbkyJC5
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) August 8, 2024
There’s no denying that Wilson is the more proven player, but Fields has a higher ceiling and is nearly 10 years younger. Given that both players only have one year remaining on their current contracts, they need to capitalize on this opportunity with the Steelers in 2024.
For Wilson, Pittsburgh represents possibly his last legitimate opportunity to start at quarterback in the NFL. Meanwhile, Fields is looking to showcase his talents after being surrounded by a questionable supporting cast in Chicago. Despite Wilson’s early lead, Fields could certainly make things interesting at QB1 during the preseason.
Getting To Know Kyle Allen
While the battle between Wilson and Fields is receiving most of the attention, Kyle Allen is firmly cemented as Pittsburgh’s QB3. Allen went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft and signed with the Carolina Panthers following the event.
In two seasons with the Panthers, he started 13 games. Allen completed 62.1% of his passes for 3,588 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Following his stint in Carolina, Allen also spent time with the then-Washington Football Team, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills.
Now the 28-year-old quarterback will look to showcase his abilities behind Pittsburgh’s top two quarterbacks and potentially stick around with the Steelers as QB3.
Getting To Know John Rhys Plumlee
Despite Allen’s starting experience, he’ll face a unique challenge to secure QB3 after the Steelers signed undrafted rookie free agent John Rhys Plumlee following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite being listed as a quarterback, Plumlee is already playing multiple roles for the Steelers. According to Chris Adamski of TribLive, he’s a regular in Pittsburgh’s rotation at punt returner.
During his collegiate career at Ole Miss and UCF, Plumlee primarily played quarterback. But he also showcased his ability on the ground, totaling 2,556 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. Plumlee also spent time at wide receiver, hauling in 26 receptions for 296 yards.
Given the success of New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill, it’ll be interesting to see if the Steelers will utilize Plumlee in a similar role. Although Allen is still the favorite to win the QB3 job in Pittsburgh, Plumlee’s versatility could make things difficult.