Mike Tomlin clarifies QB pecking order: Russell Wilson has 'pole position' ahead of Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Sunday that Russell Wilson has the “pole position” ahead of Justin Fields on the team’s quarterback pecking order.

“We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,” Tomlin said at the NFL Owners Meetings at the Grande Lakes Orlando Resort, via Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now. “I think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time, and he’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends and running backs. Got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes over the course of a 12-month calendar. I just think that’s something that a younger guy like Justin can learn from, and it provides clarity for all parties involved as they do some of the informal things at this time of year. You know, whether it’s coming together to work out in destinations and things of that nature.

“Rest assured, when it’s time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete, and we’ll allow those guys to sort themselves out. But I thought it was appropriate to describe it in a way for when we get started. Russell’s in pole position, and I think his body of work justifies that. And just from my conversations with Justin, he’s excited about working alongside Russell and learning some of those veteran tricks of the trade from behind a guy who has been around for over a decade.”

Mike Tomlin excited Steelers landed both Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

The Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.2 million deal in free agency earlier this month following his release from the Denver Broncos. Wilson, 35, led the Broncos to a 7-8 record as starter this past season while throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

Shortly after signing Wilson, the Steelers granted Kenny Pickett his wishes and traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles. Last Saturday, the Steelers acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears. Fields, the 2021 first-round pick out of Ohio State, is entering his fourth season in the NFL. To this point, the results have been a mixed bag. Chicago went 10-28 in his starts. He has thrown for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions on 60.3% passing.

Fields’ strength has been his playmaking ability with his legs, as he has rushed for 2,220 yards and 14 scores. He rushed for 1,143 yards in 2022, the second-most all-time in a single season by a quarterback (Lamar Jackson, 1,206 yards in 2019).

Tomlin gave credit to general manager Omar Khan for landing both Wilson and Fields this offseason.

“Through conversation and work — and can’t give Omar enough credit — we were able to acquire both guys,” Tomlin said.