Is Justin Fields or Russell Wilson The Steelers Starting Quarterback? 2024 NFL Outlook

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room will look quite different in 2024. Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, Mitch Trubisky signed with the Buffalo Bills, and Mason Rudolph signed with the Tennessee Titans. Those three quarterbacks accounted for all 17 starts for Pittsburgh last season. 

The Steelers will now turn to either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields this upcoming year to lead the Steelers back to the playoffs. Both players arrive in Pittsburgh following offseason moves.

Is Wilson or Fields the Steelers' starting quarterback? How did Pittsburgh land both quarterbacks this offseason?

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Russell Wilson & Justin Fields Offseason Moves

The Steelers emphasized upgrading their quarterback room this offseason. When Wilson was released from the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh immediately swooped in and met with the veteran. A couple of days later, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.21 million.

Wilson's one-year deal is a low-risk option for the Steelers. They get a former Pro Bowler who has experience leading a team to the playoffs. He's a great filler at the position until Pittsburgh finds its next franchise quarterback.

New Steelers QB Justin Fields is already putting in the work 💪

(via cshannonperformance/IG)pic.twitter.com/eOWnqcSJMR

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 18, 2024

The Steelers might have also found that franchise quarterback this offseason by trading for Fields. The former Bears quarterback didn't show much potential in his first three years in the league, but the talent and skills are there from the former first-round pick. Pittsburgh only traded a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick that turns into a fourth if Fields plays over 51% of the snaps next season.

Who is the Steelers' Starting QB in Week 1?

The Steelers will enter Week 1 with two quarterbacks who started the previous season with a different team. Nonetheless, it appears that Wilson will be the team's starter -- at least to start the year.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network said he received a text when Fields was traded to Pittsburgh confirming that Wilson is the team's starter in 2024. So, it looks like that's the way the Steelers are leaning to begin the year. But things can always change, especially if Wilson struggles out of the gate.

Is it a competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in Pittsburgh?

One source just texted: “Russ is the starter.”

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2024

Fields is more than capable of taking over and replacing Wilson. It could happen at any point throughout the season. However, when the Steelers take the field in Week 1, it is likely going to be the 12-year veteran taking snaps under center.

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