NFL insider says Russell Wilson 'remains in the pole position' over Justin Fields in Steelers QB battle
An NFL insider believes Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers over Justin Fields. ESPN’s Adam Schefter spoke about the QB battle on NFL Live and shared some interesting news on both quarterbacks.
“You heard that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin come out before camp and say, in his words, that Russell Wilson had the ‘pole position’ to win the Steelers’ starting quarterback job,” Schefter said. “But what happens when you have the pole position and you suffer a calf strain early in camp and you give you’re competition some reps, that enables Justin Fields to make a mark with the coaching staff, and he certainly did.
“I think Russell Wilson remains in the pole position, but I also think that Justin Fields has opened some eyes, and they see the type of offense they could have. We know how this staff has felt about Justin Fields in the past, and he has gotten better at practice every day, as it’s been told to me. So we’ll see how this plays out over the summer. Again, I think Russell is in the lead, but I think Justin Fields has gained some ground just by being out there with Russell being sidelined with that calf injury.”
Wilson and Fields joined the Steelers this year and will be free agents after the 2024 season. Both players are not only competing for the starting role, but they are also likely competing for a long-term deal with the Steelers.
Russell Wilson on his relationship with Justin Fields
After practice on Tuesday, Wilson talked to reporters about his relationship with Fields. “Yeah, I think more than anything else, we’ve known each other for some years now, and I’ve always tried to be a mentor in some way to him,” Wilson said, per Pro Football Talk.
“We’ve always texted, called, whatever it may be in the past, and same thing now. I believe that when you give as much knowledge that I have, or experienced or gone through, it comes back in return for you in the long run. We’re a team and we’re always trying to get better together. Every rep that he’s taking, I’m learning, and vice versa. Every rep that I’m taking, he’s learning. And all the other quarterbacks, as well. Even when we’re not in there, and we’re just processing from the drill work, we’re always talking and communicating.”
Wilson played for the Seattle Seahawks from 2012 to 2021 and the Denver Broncos from 2022 to 2023. In his career, the 35-year-old has been selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title in 2013. Fields, 25, was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In his three seasons with the Bears, the Ohio State alum has posted a 10-28 record and thrown for 64 touchdowns and 40 interceptions.