Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Chooses Starting Quarterback

PITTSBURGH, PA — Any mystery surrounding who will succeed Kenny Pickett as the Steelers new quarterback ended Wednesday when head coach Mike Tomlin named veteran Russell Wilson the starter.

Wilson will be behind center when the Steelers open the season Sept. 8 in Atlanta and, presumably, for the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 22.

Former Chicago Bears starter Justin Fields will be the backup quarterback and Kyle Allen will be the third-stringer.

Wilson, who formerly played for the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, signed a one-year, $1.21 million contract with the Steelers. A day later, the Steelers gave the Bears a sixth-round draft pick to acquire Fields.

For the fourth consecutive season, the Steelers will begin the year with a different starter at the game's most important position. Ben Roethlisberger was followed by Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and now Wilson.

Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he is now the backup, shortly after the Steelers signed Wilson.