The Steelers will ride with Russell Wilson in Week 1.
The nine-time Pro Bowler has been named the Steelers’ starting quarterback following an offseason battle with Justin Fields, head coach Mike Tomlin announced Wednesday.
Tomlin met with both Wilson, 35, and Fields, 25, ESPN reported Wednesday, with the coach describing the decision as a tough one.
“It was a difficult decision, but not difficult in a negative way,” Tomlin said, according to the Associated Press. “The decision was difficult because of what they’re capable of doing.”
Wilson joined the Steelers in March after a breakup with the Broncos, who ate $85 million in dead cap money to release him after a two-season union.
“I’m super excited,” Wilson said Wednesday, according to Yardbarker. “I came here to help us win, that’s the focus. The best part is how hard we’ve all worked every day all the way from OTAs to Latrobe.”
Wilson began his career with the Seahawks in 2012 and won his first and only Super Bowl in February 2014.
He was traded to the Broncos in 2022 and threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions through 15 appearances last year.
Wilson was benched the final two games of the year.
As for Fields, the Bears’ 2021 first-round pick, although he didn’t get the starting nod, Tomlin said Wednesday the team is “open to weaponizing” the former first-round pick’s mobility, per ESPN.
Fields spent three years in Chicago and threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games last year.
The Steelers underwent a quarterback makeover this offseason, trading 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Eagles in March for draft capital.
Longtime backup quarterback Mason Rudolph also departed Pittsburgh and is now with the Titans.
The Steelers open the season on the road against the Falcons on Sept. 8.
