Chris Simms Believes Steelers Should Start This Quarterback

The majority of teams across the NFL have their Week 1 starting quarterback identified by now, but the Steelers are one of the few outliers.

Pittsburgh is in a unique spot behind center. While some teams, like the New England Patriots, are deciding between a veteran and a rookie, the Steelers’ choice boils down to a pair of signal-callers looking to prove themselves. Russell Wilson is vying for a bounce-back opportunity after a disastrous run with the Denver Broncos, while Justin Fields wants to make the Chicago Bears regret bailing on him as early as they did.

The top spot on Pittsburgh’s QB depth chart remained up for grabs going into the final week of the preseason. But if Chris Simms was in Mike Tomlin’s shoes, the starter would already be named.

“Can’t make a full judgement from one preseason game, and both QBs have issues, but it sure seems like Justin Fields fits how the Steelers want to play better than Russell Wilson,” Simms posted to X on Monday morning. “Fields brings more to the table –physically and emotionally.”

At this stage in their respective careers, Fields probably has more upside than Wilson. But the latter is a much more proven commodity at the NFL level and has a wealth of experience leading successful teams. The nine-time Pro Bowl selection probably is the safer pick for the Steelers, at least to open the campaign.

But going the conservative route might only get Pittsburgh so far. So in order to keep pace in a competitive AFC, Tomlin might have to roll the dice.