Steelers Don’t Have Time For A Sincere QB Competition: “Worry About [Justin Fields] Next Year”

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant changes to their quarterback room after the 2023 season. Many fans believed the team would stick with their former first-round pick, Kenny Pickett. However, when the opportunity arose to sign former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson on a one-year deal at the veteran minimum, they acted swiftly.

This decision did not sit well with Pickett, who requested a trade, and the Steelers granted his wish. They quickly decided to trade away Pickett and move on from the guy who was in Pittsburgh for just two seasons.

Following this, the Steelers executed a trade with the Chicago Bears for their former first-round pick, Justin Fields. Reports indicate that the Steelers want Fields to learn from Wilson. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that Wilson is the starter for now, but Fields will have a chance to compete for the job.

Pundits have spent the offseason debating who is the better option for the Steelers. While Fields may be the future at quarterback, for the 2024 season, Wilson is expected to retain the starting job unless his performance declines. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan to discuss the quarterback competition. When asked about the chances of Fields overtaking Wilson, Kaboly expressed little confidence that Fields will start in 2024.

"Zero. I just don't think there's enough time for that.”

Kaboly believes the Steelers are facing an uphill battle in getting Wilson ready for the year. After two disappointing seasons with the Denver Broncos, Wilson now joins the Steelers. The team wants to ensure he learns the new offense quickly and can showcase the skills that helped him win a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.

"It's more than just being a quarterback. It's being a leader, taking those guys to dinner. It's being that type of leader that they haven't had in a number of years... So I don't worry about Justin Fields right now. I think you worry about him next year.”

After the 2024 season, the Steelers will have a clearer understanding of their future quarterback plans. While Wilson hopes to remain in Pittsburgh long-term, his performance in the 2024 season will be crucial. If he fails to impress, the Steelers will likely move on and hope that Fields is ready to take over.

Kaboly shared insights from observing Fields during Organized Team Activities. According to him, Fields has shown both impressive moments and some disappointing ones.

"Watching [Justin Fields] in these two weeks, sometimes he looks like Ben Roethlisberger out there, and sometimes he looks like Mark Malone out there. To be honest with you, that's just how I view it. He needs some more work to be done. You can see the talent. He's easily the most athletic guy out there. I mean, he just makes people look like fools out there in this setting. But you've got to be consistent, and that's what the issue was in Chicago.”

During his three seasons with the Bears, Fields demonstrated his potential as an incredible athlete, much like Pickett, though both played in poor systems. The difference is that pundits see the potential in Fields and what he can become. However, he has struggled as a passer, and some believe he lacks the instincts to excel in the NFL.

Steelers' Justin Fields Not Likely To Start In 2024 

Fields is determined to prove he can lead a franchise, and it seems he will have that opportunity in Pittsburgh. According to Kaboly, it won't come in 2024 unless Wilson performs poorly or gets injured. Steelers fans are eager to see Fields develop and learn during his first year in Pittsburgh. 

The debates will continue all season, with many pundits closely watching his progress. For Fields, being in a better situation might just mean he needs to be patient until his chance arrives. He absolutely could be extended and land the starting gig in 2025.

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