Steelers' Russell Wilson enters the offseason in the 'pole position' at QB
While it became very obvious that Russell Wilson was going to be the starting QB of the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers after Kenny Pickett was traded, the subsequent trade for Justin Fields clouded things. A report even surfaced that if Fields were to win the job in training camp, Pittsburgh would be wise to cut Wilson […]
While it became very obvious that Russell Wilson was going to be the starting QB of the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers after Kenny Pickett was traded, the subsequent trade for Justin Fields clouded things.
A report even surfaced that if Fields were to win the job in training camp, Pittsburgh would be wise to cut Wilson before the season started.
Coach Tomlin just put all that to bed. Or at least, for now:
Russell Wilson Has ‘Pole Position’
"We've been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start," Tomlin told reporters at the league owners' meetings. "I just 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; he's just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes over a 12-month calendar. I just think that 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 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 is 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."
To me, this was an obvious scenario for Pittsburgh. Wilson is on a one-year deal, for the league minimum, and with a Super Bowl resume.
Fields on the other hand is only 25, an athletic marvel, and can be the QB of the future for Pittsburgh if he develops the way the Steelers think he can.
So pole position doesn't mean a whole lot to me in March. Many race car drivers have lost the race they won the poll on.
And if Fields plays to his potential, that could very well happen with Wilson.
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