Pittsburgh Steelers Officially Name New Starting Quarterback

PITTSBURGH, PA — The reinvention of the Steelers quarterback room came into clarity over the weekend when former Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson officially was named the starter.

Justin Fields, recently acquired from the Chicago Bears, will be the backup.

A developmental quarterback likely will be taken in the NFL Draft next month.

"We've been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start," Tomlin said Sunday at the annual NFL meeting in Orlando. "I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved.

"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. It provides clarity for all parties involved as they do some of the informal things that competitors do this time of year, whether it's coming together to work out at destinations and things of that nature.

The recent moves came after a complete rebuild of the quarterback position became necessary. Former starter Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he will be a backup. Former backup Mitch Turbisky was released and signed with the Buffalo Bills. Mason Rudolph, who led the Steelers to the playoffs last season, became a free agent and signed with the Tennessee Titans.