Russell Wilson's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Unless something unforeseen happens, quarterback Russell Wilson will be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting QB in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons this fall. It's his job to lose in training camp and the preseason. "I'm really pleased with what I heard coming (out) of there with Russ," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said on the Rich Eisen Show. "I know there's been a lot of talk with him and Justin Fields. It's Russell Wilson's gig. Everything I've been told, they've been impressed with how he's thrown. Throwing with anticipation." The Athletic's Mark Kaboly also listed Fields as a "loser" in OTAs and minicamp because he feels Wilson has a chokehold on the starting gig right now. It doesn't really change anything from when head coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson would be in pole position as the starter earlier this offseason. Wilson is also embracing a leadership role and has embraced the city of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson got off to a good start during organized team activities this offseason, and his leadership was more than noticeable. Wilson also stood out with his arm talent, though, and he did nothing through 12 practices to even slightly indicate that he could lose the QB competition to Justin Fields. Wilson's work ethic, experience, arm talent and the fact that he basically took all the first-team snaps strongly suggest that nothing he can do between July 24 and the Sept. 8 regular-season opener would prevent him from starting to open the year. The 35-year-old veteran is going to need to perform all year to hold off Fields, however, and the lack of experience in the receiving corps is cause for concern from a fantasy standpoint. Wilson bounced back in 2023 in Denver after a bad first year with the Broncos, but he's merely a QB2 in fantasy in 2024 with his new team.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has looked on point during organized team activities this week with his new team, and the 35-year-old still appears to have plenty of arm strength. Wilson's accuracy was spot on this week, whether in warmups, drills or competition periods, including a 70-yard pass in stride to receiver Quez Watkins on Thursday. His ability to sell play-action fakes was also noticeably better than the other QBs this week. Wilson is in pole position to open the 2024 season as Pittsburgh's starter under center for Week 1, but Justin Fields, a former first-rounder, is competing to make starts for the Steelers at some point in 2024 as well in what is a contract year for him. Fields' presence and dual-threat abilities will be a threat to Wilson's value as a QB2 in fantasy in his first year in the Steel City.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields said he's "definitely competing... Russell Wilson knows that. We're competing against each other every day." I definitely don't have the mindset of me just sitting all year." Head coach Mike Tomlin said the veteran Wilson will be in pole position to start under center in Week 1 this fall. However, Fields could certainly find himself starting for the Steelers sooner than later in 2024 if Wilson looks more like he did in a disastrous first year for the Denver Broncos in 2022. Because of the fact that Fields is fully expected to be holding a clipboard on the sidelines to begin the season, it will be hard to recommend him as anything more than a QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues with high-end upside if he ends up winning the starting job eventually. The 25-year-old former Bears QB will be a free agent after the 2024 season after having his fifth-year option declined.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reiterated that quarterback Russell Wilson "has pole position" to be the team's starting QB in 2024. And "when it's time to compete, Justin Fields will be given an opportunity to show his capabilities," Tomlin said. The head coach also said that Fields "oozes talent." The Steelers are going to run with the more experienced 35-year-old Wilson over Fields to open the 2024 campaign after signing Wilson to a one-year deal this offseason. Wilson had a nice bounce-back campaign in 2023 with the Denver Broncos, throwing 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions in 15 games, but he'll be looking over his shoulder in the Steel City and doesn't exactly have a ton of receiving options to work with in what's expected to be a run-first offense under Arthur Smith. Although Fields is set to start as the backup, he has way more QB1 upside in fantasy.