Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Reveals Who His Starting Quarterback Will Be After Acquiring Both Justin Fields And Russell Wilson

Mike Tomlin looking on (left). Russell Wilson speaking to Justin Fields (right).

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already settled on his new starting QB after his team landed both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in just a matter of days.

After signing Wilson to a one-year contract, the Steelers acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The pick will be upgraded to a fourth-rounder if Fields plays 51 percent of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, coach Tomlin already informed Fields that Wilson will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback. That said, Breer noted that Fields has already expressed excitement for his fresh start.

Fields appeared in 40 games over his three seasons with the Bears. He was 10-28-0 as a starter, completing 60.3 percent of his pass attempts for 6,674 yards and 40 touchdowns against 30 interceptions. Fields has also been a dynamic rusher, with 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.

With Fields getting traded, it all but confirms that the Bears will be keeping the No. 1 pick that they obtained via the Carolina Panthers in last year’s move for Bryce Young. Barring any surprises, the Bears will use that selection on USC signal-caller Caleb Williams.

A Massive QB Shake-Up In Pittsburgh

The Steelers used three different starting quarterbacks last season in Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.

Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in a completely unexpected move on Friday. Trubisky was released before returning to the Buffalo Bills on a one-year deal, and Rudolph wound up signing with the Tennessee Titans to back up Will Levis.

Now, the Steelers have a nine-time Pro Bowler listed atop the QB depth chart with a recent former first-round pick to back him up. It’s incredibly stunning just how quickly the quarterback situation changed in Pittsburgh, but it was clearly necessary after another lackluster season of QB play in Steel City.