The Steelers had high hopes for making changes in their quarterback’s room going into the summer. But last week, Omar Khan, the general manager of the Steelers, said that he never would have predicted the club to sign Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.
Earlier this week, Khan expressed his excitement for both players, as reported by Dale Lolley of the team’s website. “Both of them are excellent quarterbacks. I would say that I would have been a little taken aback if you had told me in Indianapolis a month ago that Justin Fields and Russell Wilson would be our quarterbacks.
Khan offered Kenny Pickett a vote of confidence as the season concluded with yet another one-and-done playoff participation. The general manager also noted that the Steelers will probably provide some competition at the position. That way of thinking was short-lived, as enormous reductions allowed for the acquisition of Fields through trade and Russell through free agency. Additionally, the Steelers were able to totally reset their QB depth chart by finding the Eagles as a trade partner for Pickett. Khan clarified that Pickett’s talent had nothing to do with the abrupt turn of events.
“There has been no change. I still think highly of Kenny Pickett,” Khan remarked. “Kenny is a competent quarterback and football player. I believe he’s got a big future in the NFL. Things just kind of evolved. I couldn’t really have foreseen that things would go the way they did.”
The Steelers will now concentrate on their two newly acquired signal callers. Wilson is in “pole position” to start for Pittsburgh at quarterback, according to Mike Tomlin, although Fields will eventually get the “opportunity to compete” when the time comes. Tomlin has been open and honest in his discussion of his team’s quarterback strategy because he understands the value of clarity at the position.
Tomlin stated earlier this week, “We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start” (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). Simply said, I believe that makes things clear for everyone concerned. Russell is one tough guy. He has an established preparation method. He has a lot of experience in this league. He has the ability to inspire soldiers, tight ends, receivers, 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.”