Mike Tomlin: Russell Wilson Has ‘Pole Position’ in Pittsburgh, Justin Fields Can Compete

Mike Tomlin is carefully setting the stage for a quarterback competition.

Russell Wilson is in pole position to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, according to Mike Tomlin. Speaking to the media over the weekend from the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Tomlin made it clear that the Steelers are looking at Wilson as the starter and Justin Fields as a backup going into training camp.

“I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time. He’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, et cetera. He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar and I just think that that’s something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from.”

Tomlin also said that the pecking order is set, “at least to start,” which makes one wonder if it’s actually set in stone. Reading the rest of Tomlin’s quotes, it doesn’t seem that way. The Steelers coach noted multiple times that Fields would have the opportunity to learn from Wilson and was even excited about it. Who knows what happens once he’s learned some of Wilson’s tips and tricks.

“Rest assured when it’s time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete, and we’ll allow those guys to sort themselves out.”

So it sounds like the depth chart is set until it isn’t. Fields is the backup but Wilson’s job sounds like it can be stolen. Wilson gets the early vote of confidence and Fields gets a challenge and reason for optimism. Now Tomlin can just sit back and watch them jockey for the starting job.

Stephen Douglas is a writer at The Big Lead.