Football is finally back, well in a sense. It might only be OTAs, but the Steelers are back in the facility working towards the 2024 season. Nothing will be decided now, but there are plenty of hints of what may come down the line for Pittsburgh's football team. We know the quarterback situation is going to get a ton of press throughout the season, especially if Russell Wilson struggles.
Justin Fields is not afraid to put his name into the starting quarterback spot. Most expect him to be the backup this season, barring injury or a terrible display by Wilson. Perhaps Fields could gain a role as something other than just a quarterback with the Steelers. Maybe he becomes the next version of Slash while Wilson starts.
One thing is for sure, the Steelers want Wilson to be the guy this season. That doesn't mean Fields will be outcasted from potential competition come training camp and the preseason schedule. Fields is hungry to prove the doubters wrong on his new club, and he is going to try and take advantage of every opportunity he has thrown his way.
Justin Fields wants the Steelers starting job as OTAs heat up
No one wants to be a backup in the NFL, and Fields is a player who isn't an outlier in that regard. He was available to the media after the first OTA practice wrapped up. He made it clear that Pittsburgh was one of his top choices to be traded to. He also added that he is working his way to get playing time. He does not plan to hold the clipboard on the sideline this season.
Don't think of this statement as something vain but see it as two starters gunning for one job with the Steelers. Both Fields and Wilson have been starters in the NFL for different periods. They want the starting job, and both seem cordial about making each other better. No one is giving Fields a chance to start for the black and gold this season, but he wants to change that thought.
It is only OTAs so there is still plenty of time for the club to figure out who their starter will be if the competition gets to that point. It is certainly Wilson's job to lose after Mike Tomlin reportedly told Wilson that he would be the starter in Pittsburgh when he signed this offseason. Fields was an unexpected add after Kenny Pickett demanded a trade. A new quarterback room will change things up.
Tomlin promised Wilson before the Fields trade but did double down on Wilson being the starter. No matter who is deemed what this early in the early hours of the preseason, competition will be our guide. Fields will do his best to push Wilson for the starting job in training camp. Most of the competition will happen there. If Fields fails to win the job, then expect the coaches to find some role for him on offense.