In June, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, in line with head coach Mike Tomlin‘s earlier statements, indicated that free agent acquisition Russell Wilson was positioned to start the 2024 season as Pittsburgh’s quarterback. This would place trade addition Justin Fields as Wilson’s backup for the final year of his rookie contract.

Despite starting as a frontrunner, Wilson’s calf injury and gradual recovery have allowed Fields to gain more practice with the first team. Reports suggest Fields is capitalizing on this opportunity.

As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on NFL Live in late July, Fields is impressing during training camp and showcasing his potential impact on the team’s offense. This sentiment was echoed by Jeremy Fowler on the first day of camp, suggesting the Steelers are considering Fields’ capabilities to challenge Wilson for the starting role.

While Wilson remains the current frontrunner, Schefter and Fowler believe the competition is narrowing. Given the lack of financial constraints tied to either player, the Steelers may opt to prioritize Fields, a young quarterback with long-term potential whom Tomlin admires.

Publicly, Tomlin maintains Wilson is likely to start the season as the QB1, emphasizing the respect for Wilson’s experience and track record.

If Fields surpasses expectations, Fowler suggests that Wilson may seek a release or trade. However, Wilson’s value could diminish if he fails to secure the starting spot, despite his initial advantage.