The Pittsburgh Steelers have pulled off one of the most shocking moves of the offseason, bringing in not one but two high-profile quarterbacks–Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The team is clearly shaking things up afterKenny Pickett’s roller-coaster season left fans frustrated and yearning for consistency. With a new chapter set to begin, all eyes are on Pittsburgh to see if this quarterback shuffle will lead to success.

Russell Wilson, the seasoned Super Bowl champ, has been named the starter for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. This decision comes as no surprise to those following the Steelers’ offseason, but it’s the whispers of Justin Fields lurking in the wings that have everyone buzzing. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Steelers are playing a strategic game-giving Wilson the first shot while keeping Fields ready to step in if things go south.

Breer’s insight is that the Steelers’ coaching staff sees a close competition between the two quarterbacks. The plan is simple but bold: start with Wilson and, if necessary, pivot to Fields midseason. This approach gives the Steelers two chances to get it right at the most crucial position on the field. Switching from a seasoned veteran like Wilson to the young and dynamic Fields is a much easier move than doing it the other way around.

But what if the Steelers had handed the keys to Fields right out of the gate? Breer believes that would have made retaining Wilson a near-impossible task. A player of Wilson’s caliber isn’t going to sit on the bench quietly, waiting for his turn. By starting Wilson, the Steelers are not only utilizing his experience but also maintaining harmony within the team-at least for now.

Pittsburgh Coach hints at a surprise role for Justin Fields

Head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t playing coy about his plans for Fields either. Just days after announcing Wilson as the starter, Tomlin dropped a bombshell during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. He hinted that Fields might make an appearance in Week 1, saying, “My friend Raheem Morris better be ready for a Justin Fields package. I’ll just say that.”

Tomlin didn’t spill any more details, keeping the specifics of Fields’ role under wraps. But one thing is clear: the former first-round pick has too much raw talent to be sitting on the sidelines all season. The idea of Fields coming off the bench adds an element of unpredictability that could keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Fields has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first training camp with the Steelers, both as a passer and a runner. While the exact plays drawn up by new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith remain a mystery, fans are eagerly anticipating what this revamped offense will look like.

With the Steelers set to kick off the season against the Falcons, one thing is certain-this quarterback situation is far from settled. Whether Wilson holds onto the starting job or Fields seizes his moment, Pittsburgh is in for a wild ride. And if Mike Tomlin’s comments are any indication, the Steelers’ opponents better be ready for anything.