Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Wednesday ended any speculation regarding who the team's starting quarterback would be heading into the 2024 season by naming veteran Russell Wilson to that spot.
Wilson, acquired in free agency this offseason following his release by the Denver Broncos, had been in what Tomlin had consistently called "pole position" for that starting spot over Justin Fields.
Wednesday, Tomlin confirmed that Wilson will get the starting nod when the Steelers open the regular season Sept. 8 in Atlanta.
Tomlin broke the news to both men in a meeting with the two after Wednesday's practice here at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, saying both Wilson and Fields handled it like professionals.
"Russ' resume is a unique one in terms of length and success," said Tomlin. "That tends to play a factor in the decision making, but not from a decision-making perspective. It's just the fruits of his labor. He's seen and done a lot, and I think that was displayed in the way he played and conducted himself."
The move comes as little surprise. Wilson agreed to terms with the Steelers in early March after two tumultuous seasons in Denver, which had acquired the 13-year veteran via trade with Seattle.
But Wilson's playing style didn't exactly mesh with new head coach Sean Payton's offensive philosophy and the Broncos chose to release the veteran following the 2023 season despite the quarterback throwing for just over 3,000 yards while completing 66.4 percent of his passes with 26 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 15 starts.
Wilson's calling card has long been his ability to throw deep. And that's something Tomlin valued.
"He's got a legitimate deep ball, not only in terms of arm strength, but in terms of accuracy," Tomlin said. "We've got some guys that are capable of getting down the field in a lot of ways. So, we're excited about that."
For his career, Wilson owns a 115-72-1 record as a starter, leading the Seahawks to two Super Bowls and winning one of those.
He has completed 64.7 percent of his career passes for over 43,000 yards with 334 touchdown passes and 106 interceptions. He also has rushed for just over 5,300 yards with another 29 touchdowns.
Wilson ranks 19th on the NFL's all-time passing yards list, while his passing touchdowns are 13th. His career passer rating of 100.0 is 4th-best all-time.
The 35-year-old Wilson would like to add to his career achievements in Pittsburgh in a big way.
He also should help improve an offense that saw its quarterbacks throw just 25 touchdown passes over the past two seasons combined.
"I'm super excited to be here, obviously," Wilson said. "I came here to help us win. That's the focus. And I think the best part is how hard we've all worked every day from all the way from OTAs to Latrobe. And obviously, we've got a great season ahead of us, and we're excited about it."
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In Fields, who was acquired via a swap of late-round draft picks with the Bears, the Steelers have a young, dynamic backup who could see time as a situational player this season.
"I'll leave all of that on the table," Tomlin said after acknowledging the plan is to utilize Fields' skillset. "Speculate away."
Fields completed just over 60 percent of his passes in three seasons in Chicago with 40 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in 40 career games. His 55.5 yards rushing per game is second-most in NFL history for quarterbacks, ranking only behind Baltimore's Lamar Jackson.
"His athleticism is freaky," said Tomlin of Fields. "I've seen the highlights and things of that nature, but being an AFC coach, you don't always get a chance to feel it or really pay attention to it. To see some of the things he's capable of doing on the football field is really exciting."
Regardless of who is on the field, the idea is helping the Steelers to secure victories. Wilson said that is the bottom line.
He won't have an issue with the Steelers utilizing Fields at times.
"Whatever it takes to find another touchdown in there," Wilson said. "It's always a good thing.
"The goal is to help the Pittsburgh Steelers win in a seventh (Lombardi) trophy. That's the reality, and we got to do the work."
