Steelers fans are relishing the thought of mundane OTAs. After all, it’s the first time anyone hadsseen new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields practicing together.
In fact, the Steelers quarterback situation — basically who wins QB1 and how QB2 reacts — probably is one of the biggest storylines in the NFL heading into the 2024 season.
After the first day of OTAs was in the books Tuesday afternoon, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin talked about the getting to know them process.
“It’s been a fun process to get to know them,” Tomlin told reporters. “The things we’re doing out here are critical in the get-to-know. They’re professionals. There’s an expectation there. Both guys have been franchise-like guys. They’ve gotten out of their cars in the morning and worn the responsibility of being that guy for a franchise. There are residual benefits from that, and we’re excited about receiving it.”
The Steelers signed Wilson after the Broncos released him following two seasons. Wilson needs a reset. His brilliant career, which included a Super Bowl win and nine Pro Bowls, had cratered in Denver with two different head coaches.
Then there’s Fields, who was the Bears first-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. All he did was start for three straight seasons. But Chicago’s passing game was inconsistent and the team couldn’t win. It’s why the Bears decided to use the No. 1 pick on Caleb Williams last month. However, Fields’ dual-threat abilities are the best in the NFL this side of Lamar Jackson. He’s rushed for more than 2,200 yards in three seasons, including the 1,143 he posted in 2022. Those kind of skills can redefine a playbook.
It’ll be Tomlin’s job to pick which one starts. The Steelers coach said the 35-year-old Wilson was in the “pole position” for the top spot on the depth chart. But Fields said he definitely plans to push for the starting job.
“I’m definitely competing,” Fields told reporters. “Russ knows that. We’re competing against each other every day … with hopes of getting better. I don’t have the mindset of me sitting all year. I’m coming in here every day, giving it all I got. Pushing him to be his best and he’s pushing me to be my best each and every day.”
It’s safe to say it’ll be interesting as OTAs evolve into mini camp, then training camp and through the three preseason games.
Both quarterbacks wanted to be with the Steelers. Wilson did a mini recruiting tour before he accepted Pittsburgh’s offer. Meanwhile, if Chicago was going to pick Williams, Fields said he requested that Bears GM Ryan Poles trade him to Pittsburgh.
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