Latest Steelers starting QB update doesn't sound too promising for Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers took two big swings to improve their quarterback play this offseason. After picking up a fringe Hall of Fame player in Russell Wilson following an ill-fated stint in Denver, Pittsburgh acquired former top pick Justin Fields after the Chicago Bears began the Caleb Williams era.

Wilson has accuracy and pedigree on his side, but Fields has premium athletic ability and a howitzer of a right arm. Perhaps there's a chance that Fields ends up beating Wilson out, especially with Russ' momentum in the dirt after his Broncos tenure.

The competition may not be as close as Fields fans want it to be. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes that Wilson is going to be the team's starting quarterback and that Fields is not considered much of a respected challenger despite his long-term potential.

"A lot of it has to do with agents and what they feed to the national reporters. I think Justin Fields' agent wants people to believe that Justin is in this and that he's still a viable quarterback on the open market," Fittipaldo said, via 93.7 The Fan. "Whatever happens this year, whether he's sitting on the bench all season I think his agent wants to keep his name hot. It's only natural for your rep to do this."

Steelers insider claims Justin Fields isn't close to earning QB1 job

Fields is one of the most peculiar quarterback prospects of the last decade. An elite athlete with a great arm, Fields ran for over 1,000 yards in a single season and accounted for 45 touchdowns in his last two seasons with the Bears. Still, he never topped 2,600 passing yards in any one season in Chicago.

His success in the pros will ultimately be determined by how much of his struggles were due to his own poor play and how much was thanks to offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. If it's the latter, Pittsburgh may have landed a steal.

However, Fields' development could hurt the Steelers in the immediate future. With this deep roster firmly ready to compete for postseason glory, the Steelers will likely lean on a proven star in Wilson over the unknown that Fields is, even after his tough stint in Denver.

The Steelers may not have added Fields as a pure developmental gamble, but Wilson is clearly the top dog in this competition. It will take multiple tough performances in a row for Wilson to lose his starting role to a player with Fields' history.