Once the Pittsburgh Steelers signed QB Russell Wilson in free agency, the thought was that the veteran would push incumbent starter Kenny Pickett for the starting job in training camp. However, Pickett wanted out of Pittsburgh following the signing of Wilson, getting his wish and being dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers weren’t done revamping their quarterback room. They managed to acquire former Chicago Bears starting quarterback Justin Fields in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth round draft pick, giving them two former starters from a year ago in the same room.
The widespread belief was that Wilson would open up the season as the starter, which was later confirmed by head coach Mike Tomlin.