The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant headlines this offseason with several key moves. It began with signing former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. Shortly after, they traded away their former first-round pick quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Following Pickett's departure, the Steelers traded for quarterback Justin Fields.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson talks with Justin Fields before OTAs start.
Fields joins the Steelers after three seasons with the Chicago Bears, where he arrived with high expectations of revitalizing the team. However, his tenure with the Bears was marred by an unstable organization that struggled to develop him. Similar to Pickett, the system was not favorable to Fields. Now, he enters the Steelers eager to prove he still belongs as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
On the second day of minicamp, Fields spoke to the media, highlighting the advantages of playing in Pittsburgh and comparing it to one of the disadvantages he experienced in Chicago.
"Me being in two different places now, I realize you don't get this culture everywhere. I think Chicago, they're kind of changing the narrative now, but this has been the culture here for so many years. You can see it, just the way that we attack each and every day. Coach [Mike Tomlin], he stays on us about it, so I think just having that, reiterating that each and every day, that keeps guys on their toes. Guys are ready to compete each and every day.”
As it stands today, Wilson is set to be the starter for the 2024 season. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that Fields will have a chance to compete for the job.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin looks on while coaching a regular season game.
However, for now, the position is Wilson's to lose. Several pundits have debated which quarterback the Steelers should start, with some believing Fields is the better option.
Steelers' Justin Fields Has A Real Chance To Be The Future In Pittsburgh
When the Steelers traded for Fields, they told him that Wilson was expected to start. They want Fields to take the time to learn from the veteran and former Super Bowl champion. It seems the Steelers are seriously considering the likelihood that Fields may be the future answer at the quarterback position.
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Steelers QB Justin Fields looks on during OTAs.
Fields finds himself in a much better situation in Pittsburgh. The new Steelers offense under Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is expected to be run-heavy, which suits Fields, one of the best running quarterbacks in the NFL. He should be an excellent fit in Smith's scheme. Steelers fans will likely have to wait to see Fields play, unless the team decides to run special packages for him.
In his three seasons, Fields has thrown 40 touchdowns but also 30 interceptions. While he throws a great football, his decision-making and instincts have sometimes been questioned. However, his athletic abilities and arm talent give the Steelers hope that he can still develop and improve.
Fields has rushed for 2,220 yards and added 14 touchdowns on the ground in his career. With the NFL trending toward more mobile quarterbacks, Fields still has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. He has a great attitude about his new situation. While he's not happy about being the backup, he understands his role and admits he's pushing to steal the job from Wilson. Fields is in a much better situation in Pittsburgh today. Steelers fans are excited to see what the future holds for Fields.
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