Justin Fields: I'm 'Definitely Competing' with Russell Wilson to Be Steelers' QB1

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields told reporters Tuesday at the first day of Organized Team Activities that he's "definitely competing" against Russell Wilson for the team's QB1 spot.

In March, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters (h/t ESPN's Brooke Pryor) that Wilson holds the "pole position" for the starting role, but Fields will "have the opportunity to compete" at the appropriate time.

Pittsburgh landed Wilson via free agency on March 15 after the Denver Broncos released the nine-time Pro Bowler following two seasons in town. Wilson played his first 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks before being traded to Denver.

The Chicago Bears traded Fields to the Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick on March 16. Fields was the Bears' starter for three seasons, but Chicago held the No. 1 choice in this year's draft and decided to go in a different direction at QB, dealing the ex-Ohio State star and eventually choosing USC's Caleb Williams as their franchise signal-caller.

The Steelers have played quarterback roulette since the end of the Ben Roethlisberger era, with Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph all starting games. None of them are on the team now, and it's possible in theory that we see both Wilson and Fields take snaps for Pittsburgh this year.

Pittsburgh has the defense in place to make deep playoff runs in the AFC, finishing 10th in scoring D in 2022 and sixth in 2023. The problem is the offense hasn't performed even close to a league average level (No. 26 in scoring in 2022, No. 28 in 2023).

Now the Steelers turn to Wilson and Fields in 2024. Both players are on one-year deals, so Pittsburgh still doesn't have a long-term solution at the position. But Pittsburgh has upgraded the quality and depth of the QB room this offseason, putting the team in position for back-to-back playoff appearances.

Wilson has the edge right now, but Fields clearly has the mindset of earning that starting role. Week 1 for the Steelers will feature the team visiting the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 8.