Much can change between now and the start of the 2024 NFL season. But, at this point, Russell Wilson is the favorite to land the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ starting quarterback job.
Mike Tomlin admitted as much this week at the annual NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando. The Steelers’ head coach was effusive in his praise of Wilson, but also left the door open for Justin Fields to be the top QB in Pittsburgh.
Russell Wilson Is the Steelers’ Top QB – For Now
The Steelers signed Wilson shortly after his early March release from the Denver Broncos. A few days later, they acquired Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears.
You could argue that Fields offers more upside than Wilson, who significantly regressed over his two seasons in Denver. But, for Tomlin, Wilson’s advantage in experience will give him a leg up in the inevitable QB competition.
“Russell is a veteran, man,” Tomlin said Sunday, via Steelers Now’s Nick Farabaugh. “He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time, and he’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, and running backs. He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes over a 12-month calendar.
“I just think that’s something that a younger guy like Justin can learn from.”
However, Tomlin also admitted that Fields be given a chance to prove himself.
“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,” Tomlin said. “But I thought it was appropriate to describe it in a way for when we get started.
“Russell’s in pole position, and I think his body of work justifies that. And just from my conversations with Justin, he is excited about working alongside Russell and learning some of those veteran tricks of the trade from behind a guy who has been around for over a decade.”
Mike Tomlin Goes More In-Depth on Russell Wilson-Justin Fields Debate
Tomlin was asked to expand upon his pro-Wilson stance while meeting with reporters Monday morning.
“We’re not resistant to competition,” Tomlin said. “But, as I’ve mentioned several times of late, I just think it’s appropriate to establish positioning as we get into this thing. And the term that I’ve used is, ‘Russell has pole position.’
“And why do I use this term? Because, during this time, when we’re not formally working, I just think it’s beneficial. His experience in the National Football League. His process has been honed and perfected, talking about over a 12-month calendar. It’s not only good for him, it’s good for teams. It’s good receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc. All the things that people that are really committed to winning do this time of year.
“Russell has those resources, that structure. And so that’s why I say he has pole position. It just creates a synergy that I think is good for this time of year. When it’s time to compete, we get into training camp-like settings and going to preseason stadium and so forth. Obviously, Justin will be given an opportunity to show his capabilities.”
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on why Russell Wilson has "pole position" for the starting QB job. pic.twitter.com/oXyczXuv7S
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 25, 2024
So, what does Tomlin like about Fields?
“He oozes talent and potential,” Tomlin said. “He’s worn the responsibility of being the franchise quarterback and still gets an opportunity to learn from a guy that’s been doing it for over a decade.
“There’s a lot of meat left on the bone, and I’m excited about working on extracting it.”
Tomlin added: “We’re excited about the guys that we have in Russell and Justin, and really can’t wait to get started.”
KEEP READING: Former NFL Executive Says It’s an Overwhelming Fact That Justin Fields Is Steelers’ Best Quarterback
As Tomlin said, Fields obviously will compete for the job, and he’s talented enough to win it. But, for now, Wilson is the top Steelers QB.
Now let’s see what happens in August.
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