During a Wednesday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo discussed reports indicating that veteran Russell Wilson has a significant edge over Justin Fields in the competition for the Steelers’ starting quarterback position.
Back in March, many speculated that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin would have Wilson and Fields compete throughout the preseason, given that the team isn’t committed to either quarterback beyond the upcoming season. However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of The Athletic has consistently maintained since organized team activities that the job is Wilson’s to lose. Fittipaldo somewhat echoed Kaboly’s view.
Recently, at least two notable analysts ranked Wilson, despite his struggles over the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos, ahead of Cleveland Browns starter Deshaun Watson in their preseason AFC North quarterback power rankings.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo observed on Thursday that Wilson was “the better quarterback” during the Steelers’ spring workouts and started “to take hold of the leadership aspects of the position” before the team’s summer break.
DeFabo’s final point shouldn’t be ignored, as it seems the Steelers are hoping Wilson plays well enough to earn a second contract with the club. Such a scenario, theoretically, would leave Fields looking for a chance to start elsewhere come March 2025.
