The Pittsburgh Steelers completely revamped their quarterback room this offseason, prompting a quarterback battle. Now, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith says that it’s the veteran Russell Wilson who is in pole position to win the starting QB job.
This comes as Pittsburgh brought in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason, looking to replace Kenny Pickett.
“Russ is in the pole position,” Smith said.
Despite that, the competition hasn’t closed. There’s still plenty of time for Fields to catch Wilson. However, for the time being, that’s where it stands and both of the quarterbacks understand it and knew this was going to be a competition from the time they got to Pittsburgh.
“It’s a competition,” Smith said. “Obviously, we get to Latrobe, I’m sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that, however they were acquired, and they got here and I think it’s been pretty transparent.”
Russell Wilson was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL at one point, winning a Super Bowl and being named to the Pro Bowl nine times. However, he struggled with the Denver Broncos and is now looking to revitalize his career. Similarly, Justin Fields is looking for a new start in Pittsburgh after an up-and-down stint as a first-round pick for the Chicago Bears.
Russell Wilson was the first of the two quarterbacks to go to the Steelers. He signed on with the team on March 15th, on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. The very next day, the team traded for Justin Fields in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a potential fourth-round pick. Notably, Pittsburgh also declined Fields’ fifth-year option. That means both quarterbacks will be free agents following the 2024 season.
Russell Wilson says he feels the Fountain of Youth
At 35 years old, Russell Wilson isn’t a young quarterback anymore. However, he does feel like he’s been able to feel the Fountain of Youth since landing in Pittsburgh.
“Man, I feel the fountain of youth. I feel revived in every way, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I feel confident. I think at some point you have to know who you are as a player, as a man, as a competitor. As somebody who’s been fortunate to be able to play this game, I don’t doubt it. I trust it,” Wilson said.
“I felt really good last year playing. I felt really confident in the midst of everything. And so I think right now I have all that confidence times 10.”
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