LATROBE, Pa. -- The Pittsburgh Steelers open their 2024 NFL training camp Wednesday at Saint Vincent College.
Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: Do the Steelers have a WR2 on the roster -- and if so, who is it?
Yes, the Steelers technically have a quarterback competition because the team hasn't formally announced Russell Wilson as the starter, but he's been in pole position all offseason, and nothing that took place during OTAs or minicamp suggests that he'll be anything other than the starter in Week 1. His top target will undoubtedly be George Pickens, but beyond that, the depth chart is a little murky.
The Steelers have a plethora of wide receivers including Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. None has established himself as the clear No. 2. But the Steelers also figure to have a run-first identity, and that coupled with Arthur Smith's TE-friendly offense could deemphasize the need for a true No. 2 wide receiver. And though the free agent market is drying up, don't rule out the team adding a playmaker in training camp.
The player with the most to prove: Russell Wilson
Yes, Wilson is the most likely starter, but he still has plenty to prove after a rocky two-year tenure in Denver. His numbers improved in Year 2 with the Broncos, throwing 26 touchdowns to just eight interceptions after throwing 16 TDs and 11 INTs in 2022, but his 50.7 QBR was the second lowest of his career. He recorded his lowest QBR -- 38.7 -- in that dismal 2022 season.
Though he'll turn 36 during the season, Wilson said during minicamp that he found the fountain of youth in Pittsburgh -- and the Steelers certainly hope that's the case after a complete overhaul of the quarterback room. Both Wilson and the Steelers are searching for a fresh start and playoff success after falling short in recent seasons, and if Wilson can't produce and minimize mistakes from the jump, Justin Fields will be waiting in the wings for his own second-chance opportunity.
Most impactful offseason addition: Patrick Queen
While the quarterback additions dominated headlines, Queen's addition is the most crucial for a team that plays in a division dictated by battles on the ground. Though it's likely a coincidence, it's fitting that only a couple of hours after the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a deal with powerhouse running back Derrick Henry, the Steelers countered by agreeing to terms with Queen, who's earned a reputation as a veritable three-down linebacker.
The Steelers have long searched for Ryan Shazier's replacement, coming close a year ago with the signing of Cole Holcomb. But Holcomb suffered a season-ending knee injury in the middle of the 2023 season, and his timeline to return to the field is vague. Queen's addition not only upgrades the position, but it also gives the Steelers depth and flexibility as Holcomb continues to rehab. Plus, Queen brings a toughness that will complement veteran Elandon Roberts' work ethic and edge and rookie Payton Wilson's explosiveness.
Fiercest fantasy-relevant battle: Najee Harris vs. Jaylen Warren
Both players will undoubtedly get plenty of touches in an offense that starts with the ground game, but which running back is the better fantasy play? We might know more after a couple weeks of training camp in Latrobe. Smith built a reputation for rotating his running backs in Atlanta, and the team also recently declined Harris' fifth-year option. That could mean Warren is primed for an even bigger 2024 after an explosive 2023.
Last year, Warren had four touchdowns on 149 carries for 784 rushing yards along with 61 receptions on 74 targets for 370 yards. Warren also played 49% of offensive snaps, but he accounted for only 32% of the team's red zone carries.
Harris, meanwhile, had his third consecutive 1,000-yard season along with eight touchdowns, though his involvement in the pass game took another step back in 2023 with 38 targets, 29 receptions and 170 receiving yards. Harris, though, was the preferred back in the red zone, making 68% of the team's rushing attempts there. Harris averaged 2.5 yards per carry in the red zone to Warren's 3.9.