In an unexpected move, the Pittsburgh Steelers have revealed that Russell Wilson will start as the team's quarterback for the upcoming offseason. Head coach Mike Tomlin made the announcement during the 2024 NFL owner's meetings, indicating his desire to establish clear positioning for the start of the season.

The decision to name Wilson as the starting quarterback may have played a role in the departures of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky from the Steelers' quarterback room. Pickett requested a trade following the acquisition of Wilson, leading to his replacement with Justin Fields.

Tomlin emphasized the importance of having a starting quarterback and creating a sense of structure and synergy during the offseason. He highlighted Wilson's extensive experience in the National Football League and his refined process, which Tomlin believes benefits the entire team.

Throughout the offseason, skill position players and quarterbacks typically hold player-driven practice sessions to build rapport and communication. The starting quarterback traditionally leads these gatherings and serves as a link between the coaching staff and the offensive players.

In June, the team will participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamps, where the focus is on non-contact football-like activities. These sessions provide an opportunity for the first-team players to work together, but without any competitive evaluation taking place.

Tomlin acknowledged that Justin Fields will have the chance to showcase his capabilities once training camp and the preseason begin in August. However, he stressed the need for strong leadership during the five-month offseason period and named Wilson as the starter for now.

While no official depth chart will be released until the first week of August, Tomlin's decision to announce a starting quarterback early on reflects his commitment to establishing a clear hierarchy within the team. The Steelers will rely on Wilson's leadership, experience, and proven track record to guide them through the offseason preparations before the competition truly begins.

As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, the spotlight will be on Russell Wilson as he takes on the starting role for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason. However, the battle for the starting quarterback position is far from over, with Justin Fields waiting for his opportunity to prove himself when the competition heats up in training camp and the preseason.