NFL

Steelers name Russell Wilson starting quarterback

Pittsburgh, after whiffing on Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 draft, opted to go cheap at quarterback this season, adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for under $5 million combined in 2024. It’s certainly a risk — the Steelers likely won’t benefit from great quarterbacking this year — but it allowed Omar Kahn and Mike Tomlin to build a well-rounded roster.

That roster should continue Mike Tomlin’s streak of 17 consecutive non-losing seasons. The defense is talented and the offensive line is improved, but regardless, all eyes will be on the team’s signal-caller. For Week 1, that’ll be Russell Wilson, and he’s the correct choice to open the season in Atlanta.

This could be the 35-year-old’s last chance to start, and he’ll need to take advantage of it. If not, the job could quickly go to Justin Fields, who would bring more of a quarterback-run dynamic to Pittsburgh’s offense. If the Steelers return to the playoffs in 2024, it won’t be due to elite play behind center, but either Wilson or Fields being even a league-average starter would do wonders for a solid Pittsburgh team.