Steelers' Russell Wilson discusses relationship with Justin Fields

Despite what many thought as recently as the middle of this month, it appears veteran Russell Wilson will compete with Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback job through at least a portion of the preseason.

Wilson spoke with reporters on Tuesday about his working relationship with Fields.

"Yeah, I think more than anything else, we’ve known each other for some years now, and I’ve always tried to be a mentor in some way to him," Wilson said about Fields, as shared by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "We’ve always texted, called, whatever it may be in the past, and same thing now. I believe that when you give as much knowledge that I have, or experienced or gone through, it comes back in return for you in the long run."

Wilson signed a team-friendly deal to join the Steelers in March shortly before Pittsburgh acquired Fields (25 years old) from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick.

While the club isn't married to either signal-caller beyond 2024, Wilson held a clear lead in the advertised quarterback competition until the 35-year-old missed time during training-camp practices because of a minor calf injury.

"We’re a team and we’re always trying to get better together," Wilson added during his comments on Fields. "Every rep that he’s taking, I’m learning, and vice versa. Every rep that I’m taking, he’s learning. And all the other quarterbacks, as well. Even when we’re not in there, and we’re just processing from the drill work, we’re always talking and communicating. So, I think that’s a critical part to being successful as a team."

Wilson reportedly still isn't "in jeopardy of losing the starting job at all" even though Fields seemingly impressed while working with the first-team offense.

As of late Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Wilson as the betting favorite at -650 odds to start over Fields (+400) for Pittsburgh's Week 1 matchup at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8.

"He’s working his butt off every day, and we’re getting better as a team," Wilson continued while speaking about Fields.

It remains to be seen who between Wilson and Fields can make the Steelers the better overall team between now and the second Sunday of September.