“Ready to stay” Russell Wilson has signed a new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite the Justin Fields predicament.

The Pittsburgh Steelers apparently did not make a vital promise to Russell Wilson prior to his signing.

Following his release from the Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson received quick interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders. While he ultimately chose Pittsburgh, the Steelers apparently given him with little information about its quarterback plans for 2024.

When Wilson was signed, it was assumed that he would be the starting quarterback over Kenny Pickett. Then, in the space of a few days, Pickett was moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Steelers acquired Justin Fields. Pittsburgh now has serious competition to challenge Wilson for the starting job.

Russell Wilson salary: $1.21 million in 2024

While Wilson played fairly well in Sean Payton’s system last season, the belief around the NFL was that his stats were inflated. He is still viewed as a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL, but Fields’ rushing ability and upside as a passer give him a viable shot to win the starting job in training camp.

New York missed out on Wilson because they did not promise him a chance to start. Las Vegas immediately signed Gardner Minshew to a two-year contract worth $15 million guaranteed, but it did not guarantee him a starting spot. While Wilson was first off the board, it appears he faced the similar circumstance in Pittsburgh.

Russell Wilson 2023 stats: 3,070 passing yards, 26-8 touchdown-interception ratio, 66.4 percent completion rate.

However, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, the Steelers “didn’t give any” assurances to Wilson that he would be their starting quarterback in 2024. Pittsburgh made it clear the job needed to be earned and that’s a competition the former Super Bowl champion welcomed.

Wilson appears to be the favorite to start in Week 1, but this will be a back-and-forth competition. Fields and Wilson are not a good match in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense since they rarely throw over the middle. Both quarterbacks have similar faults, such as high sack rates and turnovers, making this one of the most intriguing matchups of the summer.

For now, Wilson is expected to start the season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. However, he and Fields will most certainly have plenty of opportunities to play this autumn. The superior performer may receive a new contract from Pittsburgh next offseason.