Steelers' Tomlin: Russell Wilson in 'Pole Position' for QB1, Justin Fields to Compete

The Pittsburgh Steelers are sticking with the plan to give Russell Wilson the first crack at the team's starting quarterback position, though Justin Fields will have his shot.

"Russ is in pole position..." Tomlin told ESPN's Rece Davis during NFL draft coverage on Saturday (h/t NFL reporter Jordan Schultz). "But we're really excited to have Justin (Fields) as well... he'll be given an opportunity to compete."

The Steelers have had a busy offseason.

Alongside signing Wilson and trading for Fields, the team added veteran linebacker Patrick Queen in free agency, acquired cornerback Donte Jackson in the trade that sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, signed safety DeShon Elliott away from the Miami Dolphins and added potential offensive playmakers in Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson in free agency.

The team also solidified the offensive line around Wilson and Fields, drafting Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, West Virginia center Zach Frazier in the second and South Dakota State center/guard Mason McCormick in the fourth.

And the Steelers continued to build up the wide receiver room in the third round, selecting Michigan wideout Roman Wilson.

Wilson was happy with the team's approach to the draft:

Heading into the 2024 season, however, there isn't a more fascinating potential quarterback battle around the NFL than the one in Pittsburgh.

Wilson offers pedigree as a nine-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion, though he never looked like a top-end quarterback during his two seasons at Denver, calling into question whether the 35-year-old is on the decline.

Fields is one of the most electric and exciting athletes at the quarterback position, having rushed for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns in his three seasons, but he's also proven to be inconsistent as a passer and takes too many sacks.

Put another way—Wilson has played the position at a high level in the past but may be washed at this point, while Fields hasn't proven to be a complete player just yet but has tantalizing upside.

It's quite the contrast, and one that leaves Tomlin and the Steelers with a fascinating choice.