Mike Tomlin - Russell Wilson in 'pole position' to be Steelers' QB1 - ESPN

ORLANDO, Fla. — Entering the 2024 season with a brand-new quarterback room, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Russell Wilson will have the «pole position,» but 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields will «have the opportunity to compete» when the time is right.

«We've been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,» Tomlin said Sunday from the NFL's league meetings, addressing the team's free agency additions for the first time. «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 added of establishing a quarterback hierarchy: «It provides clarity for all parties involved as they do some of the informal things that collectors do this time of year, whether it's coming together to work out and destinations and things of that nature. 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.»

Tomlin said Fields has also expressed excitement about working alongside Wilson and learning from the nine-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl winner.

The renovation of the team's quarterback position happened swiftly following the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis less than four weeks ago. Entering the 2024 offseason with just one quarterback on the roster, Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan began exploring their options on the