Steelers Rumors: Russell Wilson is QB1 over Justin Fields 'but Plans Can Change'

Russell Wilson's status as the No. 1 quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers may not be as locked in as it has been made out to be.

ESPN's Brooke Pryor noted Wilson is currently tabbed to be the starter when the 2024 regular season begins, but "plans can change."

There were some questions about Pittsburgh's plan at quarterback in the immediate aftermath of the team's acquisition of Justin Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears.

Per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told Fields that Wilson would be the starter and he would be the backup.

There was an assumption the Steelers signed Wilson to be their starter. It looked even more certain when Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles because he was reportedly unhappy the team brought in Wilson.

But it's easy for Tomlin and the coaching staff to say whatever they want in March. It's another thing entirely when they are watching Wilson and Fields during training camp and practices as the season gets closer.

The Steelers aren't married to Wilson at all. He's 35 years old and signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million. His stats did rebound last season with the Denver Broncos when he threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns in 15 starts.

Steven Ruiz of The Ringer noted Wilson only ranked 25th among all quarterbacks in expected points added per dropback, though he did have six touchdowns without an interception on scramble throws.

Fields is 10 years younger than Wilson and has shown an exciting skill set at times in his first three seasons in the NFL. He's got his own flaws, including taking more sacks than any quarterback in the league over the past three years (135).

Among quarterbacks with at least 500 attempts since 2021, Fields' 60.3 completion percentage is the fourth-worst, ahead of only Zach Wilson (57.0), Sam Darnold (59.6) and Bryce Young (59.8).

But it's hard to argue that Fields doesn't have more upside than Wilson at this stage of their careers. He's run for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns over the past three years. Last season was his best year as a passer with a 61.4 completion percentage, 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 starts.

While Wilson will likely open the season as Pittsburgh's starter, there will be a justified push to play Fields if the offense struggles like it did in the previous two years when Pickett was the No. 1 quarterback.