Steelers Make Decision On Starting Quarterback

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has named Russell Wilson as the team's starting quarterback for the 2024 NFL regular season, the team announced on its social media accounts Wednesday (August 28).

"Coach Tomlin has named Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback," the team wrote.

Wilson, 35, beat out former No. 11 overall pick Justin Fields , who was acquired by the Steelers via trade shortly after the former Super Bowl champion signed as a free agent this offseason. Both quarterbacks took reps with the first-team offense during training camp, however, Wilson, the long projected favorite to land the gig, started Pittsburgh's first two preseason games.

Wilson signed with the Steelers in March, joining his third team since being traded by the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. The 35-year-old threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 297 of 447 passing, while also recording 341 yards and three touchdowns on 80 rushing attempts, leading the Denver Broncos to a 7-8 record in 15 starts in 2023 before being released this offseason.

Fields, 25, went 10-28 in 38 starts and threw for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions on 578 of 958 passing, while recording 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns on 356 rushing attempts during his three seasons with the Bears. The trade cleared the way for Chicago to use the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams in April.