By Charlie Wilson
The Pittsburgh Steelers will make Russell Wilson their starting quarterback, with Justin Fields as back-up. Fields was traded from the Chicago Bears for just a sixth-round pick, even though many thought he could fetch a day-two pick.
The Bears are now expected to draft Caleb Williams as their top pick in the NFL Draft. Fields will try his best in training camp and preseason to fight for the starting spot, but it seems like a tough battle as Pittsburgh has already made their decision.
The NFL Network reported that a source from the Steelers said Wilson would be the team's starter, even after they traded for Fields. Wilson, who's had a great career over the last decade, has endured a tough couple of years since being traded to the Denver Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks.
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After the Broncos let Wilson go, they will turn to the NFL Draft for a replacement while still paying their former starter a massive $35 million (£27.5m) this season. This allowed the Steelers to sign Wilson on a minimum contract, costing them only $1.5 million (£1.18m) against the salary cap for the 2024 season.
Both Fields and Wilson could be seen as upgrades in the position for Pittsburgh this year, after second-year pro Kenny Pickett hugely struggled last season throwing just six touchdowns in 12 games. Pickett had been selected with a first-round draft pick in 2022, which was seen as a risk at the time before showing glimpses of brilliance in his rookie season.
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But he failed to build on that season, regressing in his second year and losing the starting spot to Mason Rudolph. Pickett was also traded this past week, going to the Philadelphia Eagles to back up Jalen Hurts with both teams trading picks in the deal.
While Pittsburgh has two strong options at the quarterback position, they now must make a concerted effort to add wide receivers to their roster - with only George Pickens as the recognised starter going on into 2024.
The Steelers are likely to spend multiple picks in the draft at the position, in a loaded offensive class. Both Wilson and Fields will be out of contract in 2025, with Pittsburgh also potentially selecting a quarterback at some point in draft.