Tomlin: Wilson brings 'proven process of readiness' to Steelers

Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed reports on Sunday that Russell Wilson is in line to be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback in 2024.

"Russell is a veteran, man. He's got a proven process of readiness. He's been in this league a long time. He's capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, et cetera," Tomlin said, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

He added, "He's just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar, and I just think that that's something that a younger guy like Justin (Fields) could learn from."

The Steelers completely reworked their quarterback room this offseason. They signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.2-million deal and traded a conditional sixth-round pick to the Chicago Bears for Fields.

Pittsburgh then dealt Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving no signal-callers from last year's team on the roster.

Fields and Wilson have eerily similar efficiency numbers over the last two seasons. Out of 24 quarterbacks who have taken at least 750 snaps since 2022, Wilson ranks 19th and Fields ranks 20th in EPA/play during that stretch, per Ben Baldwin's database.

Tomlin commented on the importance of establishing a quarterback hierarchy heading into training camp.

"It provides clarity for all parties involved as they do some of the informal things that collectors do this time of year, whether it's coming together to work out and destinations and things of that nature," Tomlin said.

"Rest assured when it's time to compete, Justin (Fields) will be given an opportunity to compete, and we'll allow those guys to sort themselves out."

The Bears selected Fields 11th overall in the 2021 draft. He went 10-28 in 38 starts, totaling 8,894 yards with 54 touchdowns and 41 turnovers.

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