Justin Fields is making it clear that he didn’t arrive in Pittsburgh with the mindset of being a backup.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the Steelers QB talked about the dynamic between he and veteran starter Russell Wilson as OTAs get underway.
“I’m definitely competing. Russ knows that… we’re competing against each other everyday,” Fields said. “I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting all year. I’m coming in everyday giving it all I got and pushing him to be his best and he’s pushing me to be my best each and everyday.”
Pittsburgh brought in both quarterbacks after moving off of former first-round pick Kenny Pickett who struggled mightily to be a consistent threat in the Steelers’ offense.
Coach Mike Tomlin has already stated that Wilson will enter training camp as the team’s starter and shared that he’s been impressed with the former Pro Bowl QB’s preparation.
“Russell is a veteran. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time. He’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc. He’s just got a lot of experience. And I just think that that’s something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from,” Tomlin said at this year’s NFL meetings.
“[But] rest assured,” the head coach concluded, “when it’s time to compete, they’ll be given an opportunity to compete, and it will allow those guys to sort themselves out.”