Justin Fields warned fellow Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson that he will be competing against the veteran for the starting position this season.
When Pittsburgh traded for Fields shortly after signing Wilson to a one-year deal, coach Mike Tomlin said that the latter was in ‘pole position’ to start while the former Bears quarterback ‘will have the opportunity to compete.’
But as far as Fields is concerned, he will not be content with an understudy role this season. During Tuesday’s OTAs, Fields explained his mindset to media members.
‘I’m definitely competing,’ Fields said. ‘Russ knows that. We’re competing against each other every day. I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting all year.’
‘I’m coming in every day giving it all I’ve got — pushing him to be his best, and he’s pushing me to be my best each and every day.’
Justin Fields warned fellow Steelers QB Russell Wilson that he will be competing to start
Coach Mike Tomlin previously said the Wilson is in ‘pole position’ to start for the Steelers
Wilson has significantly regressed from his Pro Bowl days with the Seattle Seahawks. After two lackluster seasons with the Denver Broncos, the 2014 Super Bowl champion got cut prematurely from his four-year deal.
On the other hand, Fields did not fulfill the expectations of being the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Chicago moved on to No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, no team was willing to commit significant trade capital for Fields or pick up the $25.6 million fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
As a result, the Steelers swapped their conditional sixth-round pick for Fields and declined the fifth-year option.
‘I’m not the same quarterback as I was last year,’ Fields claimed. ‘I’m not the same quarterback as I even was yesterday. I’m gonna continue to get better each and every day. I think I have a lot more room to grow. I’m nowhere near my ceiling.’
The Steelers finished last season with a 10-7 record as the third-placed team in the AFC North. Having moved from former quarterback Kenny Picket, Wilson and Fields got their reps in during Tuesday’s session.
Pittsburgh signed Wilson to a one-year deal and traded for Fields early into the offseason
Although Wilson did not directly address Fields when speaking to the press, he mentioned learning a lot from his experience in Denver.
‘If anything, I’ve just learned a lot,’ Wilson said. ‘I think that internally you get better, you get tougher. You use your experiences, you use the challenges that you’ve gone through to be the best version of you.
‘So, I don’t blink. And I’m looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity.’
