The Pittsburgh Steelers recently announced that Russell Wilson would be the starter over Justin Fields entering the 2024 season, a decision that was long expected after head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear on several occasions that the veteran was sitting in the "pole position" for the starting job.
However, that decision apparently wasn't unanimous internally, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, who revealed that some within the organization felt Fields should get the nod over Wilson.
"Bottom line: This isn’t anyone’s first rodeo in Pittsburgh, and Fields took some fundamental changes that the offensive coaches gave him (one being a return to the type of footwork he’d used at Ohio State), and really worked on them over the past few weeks of camp," Breer wrote. "It was enough to have some folks internally push for Fields to start. There was, too, plenty of merit to the idea. But the way it is now, again, to give yourself two shots, also makes plenty of sense."
Breer did not reveal who specifically wanted Fields to start, but clearly whoever it was didn't have enough pull to stop Wilson from being named the starter.
It always made sense to start Wilson from the jump. After all, he's the more proven, experienced option and gives the Steelers the best chance to win, at least on paper.
But that doesn't mean Wilson will keep the job no matter what. If he falters, it may not be long before Fields gets his shot. How much leash the Steelers give Wilson remains to be seen, though.
The Steelers will open their 2024 season on the road when they meet the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
