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Russell Wilson is main the race to be Pittsburgh’s beginning quarterback subsequent season. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin mentioned on Monday that Wilson is taken into account the workforce’s starter however that the lately acquired Justin Fields will get an opportunity to compete.
“We’re not proof against competitors, however as I’ve talked about a number of instances of late, I simply suppose it’s applicable to determine positioning … and the time period that I’ve used is Russell has pole place,” Tomlin mentioned. “And why do I take advantage of that time period? As a result of throughout this time the place we’re not formally working, I simply suppose it’s helpful. His expertise within the Nationwide Soccer League, his course of has been honed and perfected.
“Speaking about over a 12-month calendar, it’s not solely good for him, it’s good for groups, it’s good for receivers, tight ends, working backs, and so on. All of the issues that folks actually dedicated to profitable do that time of the yr, Russell has these sources, that construction. And in order that’s why I say he has pole place. It simply creates a synergy that I believe is sweet for this time of yr. When it’s time to compete and we get in coaching camp-like settings and we’re going to stadiums and so forth, clearly Justin be given a chance to indicate folks.”
The Steelers revamped their quarterback room earlier this month, signing Wilson to the $1.2m veteran’s minimal contract after the nine-time Professional Bowl quarterback was launched by Denver.
Kenny Pickett, the workforce’s first-round decide in 2022, requested for a commerce after Wilson’s arrival, Tomlin mentioned. Pittsburgh despatched him to Philadelphia and bought Fields, a first-round decide in 2021, from Chicago for a conditional sixth-round selection in 2025.
The Steelers additionally let Mason Rudolph (Titans) and Mitch Trubisky (Payments) depart in free company.
The 35-year-old Wilson was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos after being acquired in a commerce from Seattle. He bounced again from a dreadful 2022 season and threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and solely eight interceptions, however nonetheless misplaced his job to Jarrett Stidham after going 7-8 in coach Sean Payton’s first season final yr.
Wilson led Seattle to eight playoff appearances and a Tremendous Bowl title in 10 seasons with the Seahawks.
“When the free company course of started, we solely had one quarterback on our roster and so we had been each accessible individual available on the market,” Tomlin mentioned. “It was simply a part of our course of. Clearly once we obtained into it, and after [Wilson] obtained permission to speak. … the conversations had been very fluid and pure. He did his applicable analysis on us, and I believe that’s most likely one of many extra spectacular issues in regards to the course of from my perspective. His stage of preparedness by way of figuring out us and who we’re and the way he may doubtlessly match simply actually put us comfortable over the method.”
Fields was 10-28 on struggling groups in Chicago however confirmed flashes of being an electrical playmaker. He accomplished 60% of his passes and threw for 40 landing with 30 interceptions in his time with the Bears. He additionally ran for two,220 yards and 14 scores.
“He oozes expertise and potential,” Tomlin mentioned. “He’s worn the accountability of being a franchise quarterback, however nonetheless he will get a chance to return right into a community-like state of affairs and be taught from a man that’s been doing it for over a decade. Man, there’s numerous meat left on that bone and I’m simply excited.”
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