In the city of Steel, a quarterback problem is brewing. The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offseason acquisition of Justin Fields has thrown a curveball into their plans, raising questions about whether two gunslingers can harmoniously co-exist under center.

The notion of a two-quarterback system is no stranger to the NFL, with teams like the 1980s Miami Dolphins under Don Shula regularly swapping Don Strock and David Woodley mid-game. More recently, the Ravens smoothly transitioned from Joe Flacco to Lamar Jackson by briefly deploying both quarterbacks. However, the concept remains an anomaly, with the 2021 season providing rare examples like the 49ers (Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance), Bears (Andy Dalton and Justin Fields), and Dolphins (Tua Tagovailoa and Jacoby Brissett) experimenting with the approach.

Meanwhile, the stage was set in Pittsburgh when veteran Russell Wilson dropped a bombshell during an interview. Despite head coach Mike Tomlin stating Wilson has the “pole position” as the starter, the Super Bowl champ and nine-time Pro Bowler welcomed the idea of a two-quarterback system with Fields. As reported by the ESPN Reporter on the ESPN YouTube video today, Wilson said that he would welcome adding Fields in a two-quarterback system because having two Dynamic Playmakers and quarterbacks is a good thing and he said it could strike fear Into the Heart of a lot of defenses.

But former NFL lineman Booger McFarland isn’t buying the hype. “I’m not in favor of the two-quarterback system…I just think that position is one of leadership and being able to command the huddle,” he firmly stated, echoing the traditional belief that a single, steadfast leader is vital for cohesion.

Meanwhile when the notion of Fields as a kick returner surfaced, based on comments from running back Jaylen Warren, the young QB laughed it off as a misunderstanding. “Nah, I’m not here to do that. It was kind of a joke, to be honest with you,” Fields told on Tuesday, via The Post-Gazette, clarifying special teams coach Danny Smith was simply using him as an example of versatility. However, Fields didn’t completely shut down the two-quarterback experiment, leaving the door open with a grin: “Hey, you never know…(Coach Smith) might cook something up. We’ll see what happens.”

Louis Riddick, an NFL analyst, offered a measured take: “I don’t think they’re going to need a two-quarterback system… Justin Fields is going to take over probably halfway through the season because this offense is tailor-made for exactly what he needs.”

Will sharing the spotlight save or end Russell Wilson’s NFL journey?

For Russell Wilson, the 2024 campaign in Pittsburgh could be the defining moment that shapes his football immortality. With 43,653 passing yards, and 334 TD he finds himself at a critical crossroads as he enters the twilight of his illustrious career at 35 years old.

On one path lies the opportunity to embrace the challenge of mentoring Justin Fields, the young gun who has flashed his upside with 2,220 rushing yards and 14 scores on the ground. By guiding the 25-year-old’s development, Wilson could reignite his fire and recapture the magic that once saw him hailed as a “Top 5 thrower in the NFL.”

However, the other road is far riskier. If Wilson falters and gets demoted in favor of the more explosive Fields, it could spell a sudden and unceremonious end to his storied NFL journey. The grim reality is that an aging quarterback losing his starting job faces long odds of reviving his career.

The Steelers are rolling the dice, betting that either the savvy veteran Wilson still has gas in the tank or the athletic Fields is indeed the future face of the franchise, as Louis Riddick prophesied: “Justin Fields is going to take over probably halfway through the season because this offense is tailor-made for exactly what he needs.”

For Wilson, it’s a make-or-break season where the stakes couldn’t be higher. He has the chance to impart his wisdom on a promising talent while reminding the league of his greatness. But if he can’t fend off the surging Fields, his legacy could be tarnished, his playing days numbered.

“I’m nowhere near my ceiling,” Fields boldly declared, putting Wilson squarely on notice. Whether that ceiling eclipses the Super Bowl champion’s lofty achievements remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – the quarterback room in Pittsburgh is poised for fireworks in 2024.