Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will have to wait a bit longer to discover who will be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season.
On Saturday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced that he isn’t quite ready to make a decision and plans to name the starter “at the end of our work week.” This delay keeps the quarterback competition in Pittsburgh alive, leaving fans and analysts speculating about who will lead the team in the upcoming season.
Many observers believe that Wilson has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting job after a solid preseason performance. In the Steelers’ 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday, Wilson orchestrated a 60-yard scoring drive to open the game. He completed both of his passes for 26 yards, including a crucial 32-yard strike to George Pickens on third down, showcasing his ability to move the chains. Although the drive included a six-yard loss on a pass to Pickens, Wilson’s overall composure and efficiency stood out. Over the course of the preseason, Wilson completed 10 of 12 passes for 73 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions in his two appearances—a steady performance that has likely bolstered his case.
In contrast, Fields has struggled to find his rhythm during the preseason. On Saturday, he completed 3 of 4 passes for 40 yards but was sacked twice, reflecting the ongoing issues with protection and decision-making. Fields finished the preseason with a stat line of 19 completions on 27 attempts for 199 yards, also without any touchdowns or interceptions over three games. While his completion percentage was respectable, his lack of big plays and the sacks he took have raised concerns about his readiness to start.
Both Wilson and Fields arrived in Pittsburgh this offseason, each seeking a fresh start after disappointing seasons with their previous teams. Fields, who was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, spent three seasons as their starter. Although he showed flashes of his potential, inconsistency plagued his time in Chicago. The Steelers acquired him in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft, hoping a change of scenery might help him fulfill his promise.
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Wilson, on the other hand, is coming off two tumultuous seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he struggled to recapture the form that made him a perennial MVP candidate with the Seattle Seahawks. Denver eventually released him, absorbing a significant salary cap hit, and Wilson signed with the Steelers for $1.21 million as a free agent. Pittsburgh is banking on Wilson’s experience and leadership to potentially guide their offense.
Tomlin has made it clear that he wants to see more from both quarterbacks in practice this week, particularly in how they perform against the Steelers’ defense, before making his final decision. While Wilson appears to have the edge, Tomlin’s careful evaluation process means that the decision isn’t set in stone just yet.
As the clock ticks toward the regular season, the anticipation builds around who will ultimately earn the starting quarterback role in Pittsburgh.
