Steelers name Russell Wilson starting quarterback over Justin Fields

The Steelers traded for Fields one week after signing Wilson

After a quarterback battle, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Russell Wilson will be the team's Week 1 starter under center.

The Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year deal this offseason after a failed two-year stint in Denver with the Broncos.

However, roughly a week later, they acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, who had the rights to Caleb Williams with the first pick.

Russell Wilson with Steelers

Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)

It was widely assumed that Wilson would be the starter, but head coach Mike Tomlin waited until well after the team's final preseason game to officially name a starter.

With the Broncos, Wilson went 11-19 as a starter while completing 63.3% of his passes for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.

Wilson improved in his second season with the Broncos, going from 16 to 26 touchdowns, and going from a 4-11 record to going 7-8. However, the blockbuster trade they made to get him two years ago didn't look like it was panning out as they had expected.

Fields and Wilson

Russell Wilson #3 looks on alongside Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Pittsburgh Steelers OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, while Fields was the 11th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.

Authored by Ryan Morik via FoxNews August 28th 2024