The Pittsburgh Steelers are going for an experienced arm to lead their offense in the 2024 NFL season. The team confirmed on Wednesday that veteran Russell Wilson will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2024.
Wilson, who has nine Pro Bowls to his name, joined the Steelers on a one-year deal after being cut by the Denver Broncos in March. Pittsburgh then went on to add Justin Fields, the 11th overall pick in 2021, in a trade with the Chicago Bears just one day later.
While the Steelers insisted that a quarterback battle was taking place throughout training camp, it always seemed that Wilson was the favorite to get the starting nod unless Fields did something extraordinary to unseat him. Fields failed to do so, completing 19 of his 27 pass attempts and throwing for 199 yards in the preseason.
Wilson’s stat line of 10 completed passes on 12 attempts and 73 passing yards was also far from spectacular, but it is important to note that he played more than 50% fewer snaps than Fields.
“It was a difficult decision, but not difficult in a negative way, to be quite honest with you. It was difficult in a positive way. The decision was difficult because of what they’re capable of doing, “said Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin about his decision while adding that both Wilson and Fields “have been really professional. “
The Steelers will now hope that Wilson’s experience will provide a boost for the team that struggled to get competent QB to play since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season.
