NFL Trade Rumors: Justin Fields Closing on Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Competition

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't afraid of a little bit of quarterback controversy. Speaking with the media on Wednesday, head coach Mike Tomlin reiterated that quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson remain in open competition to earn the starting job and that upcoming preseason games will weigh heavily on his eventual decision.

#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin confirmed that there is, in fact, a QB competition between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.

Wilson, who is dealing with a calf injury, remains QB1.

Fields will start on Friday vs. the Texans, while Wilson will not play.pic.twitter.com/89upXew1x7
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 7, 2024

Wilson has missed time of late with a calf strain, which has allowed Fields to dominate reps in camp. Tomlin also revealed that Fields will start the Steelers' opening preseason game against the Houston Texans on Friday.

The Steelers acquired Wilson in free agency earlier this offseason and promptly traded a conditional 2025 draft pick to the Chicago Bears to land Fields. If Fields plays 51% of the offensive snaps in 2024, the Steelers will surrender a fourth-round pick. Otherwise, it's a sixth-rounder. Therefore, the Steelers arguably have an incentive to lean in Wilson's direction if the competition is close.

The Denver Broncos released Wilson earlier this offseason, admitting defeat on one of the most disastrous trades in NFL history. In need of a franchise quarterback, the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and multiple players to the Seattle Seahawks for Wilson before the 2022 season. They promptly signed him to a five-year, $245 million extension before he played a snap for them. Wilson's Broncos went on to finish dead last in points scored in 2022, and his offenses scored a middling 19.4 points per game over his 30 starts.

Fields didn't fare much better on the Bears. After joining the team as the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields led the Bears to a 10-28 record over three years. Despite his exhilarating ability as a runner (1143 rushing yards in 2022), Fields never developed as a passer, and the Bears decided to move on this offseason, drafting USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick.

It won't take much for the Steelers to improve on their quarterback play from last year. Between Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph, the Steelers averaged 201.2 passing yards per game and totalled 13 passing touchdowns (30th in the league). Despite those struggles, the Steelers finished 10-7. Execution at the quarterback position could very well be the difference in the Steelers contending for a Super Bowl or not.

Of the two quarterbacks, Wilson is significantly more accomplished, but the best ability in the NFL is availability. At only 25 years old, Fields sports incredibly tantalizing physical tools and upside. If he can make a positive impression while dominating snaps, he'll have a real opportunity to seize control of the starting job. Whether or not he'll be able to keep it remains to be seen.