In just one week, the Steelers' quarterback room went from just Kenny Pickett to both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Pittsburgh is overhauling its passing game after another disappointing offensive season, and Mike Tomlin's group suddenly has one of the most interesting quarterback dynamics in the NFL.
Wilson joined the Steelers on a cheap one-year contract last weekend, entering as the frontrunner in what was expected to be a competition with Pickett. That dynamic changed on Friday when Pickett was traded to the Eagles, reportedly at his request.
While the move seemed to ensure Wilson would be the Steelers' starter in 2023, it left Pittsburgh without any possible long-term solution at quarterback. Now, Fields could be the answer. What does that mean for Wilson in 2024?
Here's an updated look at the Steelers' quarterback situation with both Wilson and Fields in the mix.
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What Justin Fields trade means for Russell Wilson
Wilson and Fields are both coming out of similar situations as quarterbacks who showed signs of progress in 2023. Ultimately, they didn't prove to be solutions for their former respective teams and the Steelers appear to be set on which one will start in 2024.
Wilson will still serve as the Steelers' starter, with Fields as Pittsburgh's No. 2 quarterback, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Steelers QB Russell Wilson will start in Pittsburgh and Justin Fields will back him up, a team source told ESPN’s @bepryor.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2024
Does that mean there won't be any in-season intrigue? Of course not. There doesn't appear to be anything Wilson can do to lose the starting job in training camp, barring injury, but the presence of Fields certainly puts pressure on the veteran to perform. If the Steelers get off to a difficult start and the passing game is stuck in neutral, the reaction from fans and the media will be much different with Fields sitting on the bench than it would be with a career backup behind Wilson.
The Steelers likely understand this, so the door could very well be open for Fields to make starts if Wilson doesn't perform. After all, Tomlin did bench Pickett in 2023 after praising the former first-round pick's progress during the summer.
MORE: What Justin Fields trade means for the Bears
For now, though, Wilson appears to be locked in as the Steelers' starting quarterback. That was evident after the former Bronco spent most of last weekend visiting Pittsburgh, agreeing to a deal on Sunday night. It remains true even after the Steelers dealt a conditional sixth-round pick to acquire Fields.
What the Fields trade also means is Wilson shouldn't get too comfortable. He may have the keys to the offense in September, but that doesn't mean Fields' time won't come — whether this season or in 2025, when Fields could still be under contract if the Steelers decide to pick up his fifth-year option.
Steelers QB depth chart
1. Russell Wilson
Wilson certainly seems to be the Steelers' surefire starter entering 2024, based on multiple reports.
While the initial belief was that Wilson would enter a competition with Pickett, the mere fact the Steelers spent so much time with Wilson and signed him before the rest of free agency kicked off was the first signal that the veteran was, at the very least, the frontrunner to start.
Friday's trade of Pickett reinforced that Wilson has the reins of the offense in 2024. That remains the case after the Fields trade, even if the former first-rounder's presence could make life a bit more difficult for Wilson.
2. Justin Fields
There are only two quarterbacks on the Steelers' roster at the moment, so this is it for the time being.
Fields will enter camp as the No. 2 quarterback, backing up Wilson. That doesn't mean he won't get a chance to prove himself. NFL teams averaged slightly more than two starting quarterbacks in 2023, so the odds are Fields will see the field at some point.
Even if Wilson continues to be durable, Fields' presence will put pressure on the veteran to perform. The Steelers now know they have a potentially dynamic backup, as do the fans. If Wilson struggles, Fields just might get an audition ahead of 2025.
