Following their trade for Justin Fields, the Pittsburgh Steelers now have a fascinating quarterback competition on their hands.
Fields joins Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh's quarterback room. The Steelers signed Wilson for a veteran minimum of $1.4 million in a one-year deal. They also sent a 2025 sixth-round pick to Chicago for Fields.
Both quarterbacks own plenty of experience. Wilson is a former Super Bowl winner, while Fields has consistently started for the Chicago Bears.
Sources from Pittsburgh indicate that Wilson will start the season as the first choice. But former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Taylor Lewan thinks Fields' presence leaves Wilson on thin ice.
Lewan told the Up & Adams show, "I think the safe option is to start Russell Wilson. But the leash is short. Four weeks in, if Russell struggles, you might see a change. The Tennessee Titans did it in 2019 with Ryan Tannehill replacing Marcus Mariota."
Lewan played for Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith but hinted that the starting quarterback decision wouldn't be Smith's, "I know Arthur likes the more athletic quarterback, which could point to Fields. But he isn't the head coach. It's not his decision. It's Mike Tomlin's decision, and they'll go with Russell Wilson. But the leash will be short."
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