Who is qb for steelers

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: As of the 2024 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback is Russell Wilson, who joined the team in March 2024 after being released by the Denver Broncos. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XLVIII champion, signed a one-year contract worth $1.21 million to lead the Steelers' offense. The team also has Justin Fields, acquired via trade from the Chicago Bears in March 2024, serving as the backup quarterback with potential for future development.

Key Facts

Russell Wilson signed a one-year, $1.21 million contract with the Steelers in March 2024
Wilson has thrown for 43,653 career yards and 334 touchdowns through the 2023 season
Justin Fields was traded from the Chicago Bears to Pittsburgh in March 2024 for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick
The Steelers have had only three primary starting quarterbacks since 2004: Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021), Kenny Pickett (2022-2023), and now Russell Wilson
Pittsburgh's quarterback room features two former first-round picks: Wilson (2012, 75th overall) and Fields (2021, 11th overall)

Overview

The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the NFL's most storied franchises, have undergone significant quarterback transitions in recent years. For nearly two decades, the team was defined by Ben Roethlisberger, who started 249 games from 2004 to 2021, winning two Super Bowls and setting numerous franchise records. Following Roethlisberger's retirement, the Steelers selected Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping he would become their next franchise quarterback.

The 2024 offseason brought dramatic changes to Pittsburgh's quarterback situation. After two seasons with Pickett as the primary starter, the Steelers made two major moves in March 2024. They signed veteran Russell Wilson to a one-year contract and traded for former Chicago Bears starter Justin Fields, creating one of the NFL's most intriguing quarterback rooms. This represents a strategic shift for a franchise that has traditionally developed quarterbacks through the draft rather than acquiring established veterans.

How It Works

The Steelers' current quarterback structure features a clear hierarchy with specific roles for each player.

Starting Quarterback - Russell Wilson: The 35-year-old veteran brings immediate experience and leadership to Pittsburgh's offense. Wilson has started 188 regular season games in his career, completing 64.7% of his passes for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns. His contract includes a veteran minimum salary of $1.21 million for 2024, with Denver paying the remainder of his $39 million guaranteed salary from his previous contract.
Backup Quarterback - Justin Fields: Acquired via trade from Chicago for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick, Fields represents both insurance and potential future development. The 25-year-old has started 38 games over three seasons, throwing for 6,674 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 2,220 rushing yards. His athleticism provides offensive coordinator Arthur Smith with creative options for specialized packages.
Quarterback Development System: The Steelers maintain a structured approach to quarterback development, with Wilson serving as a mentor to Fields. This mirrors Pittsburgh's historical success with quarterback transitions, where veterans like Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich helped develop younger players behind Roethlisberger during his tenure.
Contract and Cap Management: Pittsburgh's quarterback investments reflect savvy salary cap management. Wilson's $1.21 million salary represents tremendous value for a quarterback of his caliber, while Fields' rookie contract runs through 2024 with a fifth-year option available for 2025. This financial flexibility allows the Steelers to build a competitive roster around the quarterback position.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Russell Wilson	Justin Fields
Experience Level	12-year veteran, 188 career starts	3-year veteran, 38 career starts
Career Passing Yards	43,653 yards (through 2023)	6,674 yards (through 2023)
Career Touchdowns	334 passing touchdowns	40 passing touchdowns
Rushing Ability	5,307 career rushing yards	2,220 career rushing yards
Contract Status	1-year, $1.21 million (2024)	Rookie contract through 2024
Age	35 years old	25 years old

Why It Matters

Immediate Competitiveness: Wilson's presence gives Pittsburgh a proven winner at quarterback, significantly improving their chances in the competitive AFC North. The Steelers have made the playoffs just twice in the last six seasons, and Wilson's 114-72-1 career record as a starter provides immediate credibility and leadership to a team seeking consistent postseason success.
Future Planning: The acquisition of Justin Fields represents strategic long-term planning. At just 25 years old with three years of starting experience, Fields can develop behind Wilson while potentially becoming Pittsburgh's quarterback of the future. This dual approach addresses both immediate needs and future considerations in a single offseason.
Offensive Evolution: Pittsburgh's quarterback changes signal a shift in offensive philosophy. Wilson's deep-ball accuracy (career 7.8 yards per attempt) combined with Fields' elite rushing ability (career 6.3 yards per carry) gives offensive coordinator Arthur Smith multiple dimensions to exploit. This versatility could help the Steelers improve from their 25th-ranked scoring offense in 2023.

The Steelers' quarterback situation represents one of the NFL's most fascinating stories heading into the 2024 season. With Wilson providing immediate stability and Fields offering future potential, Pittsburgh has positioned itself competitively for both the short and long term. This strategic approach reflects the organization's commitment to returning to championship contention while managing resources effectively. The success of this quarterback transition will likely determine Pittsburgh's trajectory in the coming years, as they seek to add to their record six Super Bowl championships in the modern NFL era.