Steelers Have An Interesting Predicament With Justin Fields' Contract Situation: "Make It Worth His While To Be Able To Sign Here"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a slew of impressive moves during the 2024 offseason, including trading for fourth-year quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields had an up and down career as a starter with the Chicago Bears, and that organization decided to go in a different direction after acquiring the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fields was never set up for success in Chicago, and now he will be under the guidance of Mike Tomlin, in a place he chose to be traded to. 

Fields was a first round pick in 2021, so by trading for him during the 2024 offseason, Pittsburgh also inherited the decision of his fifth-year option. The Steelers also had to worry about deciding on that option with Najee Harris as well, which they surprisingly did not pick up. Fields hasn't lived up to his expectations so far in his career. That paired with the fact that he has yet to play a snap in Pittsburgh was good enough reason to decline his option as well.

Fields will now be a free agent after the 2024 season, and Steelers insider Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan to discuss what the team should do moving forward.

"I think they have to [extend Fields]. I don't think you go into next season with a quarterback room totally empty once again. Then why even acquire Justin Fields in the first place? They'll be able to tell, I think, over the next month or so during training camp and preseason if the Justin Fields project moving forward is worth it and to to make it worth his while to sign here. The last thing you want to do is go into next year and all of a sudden you look around again and no quarterback."

Pittsburgh has put in a lot of work revamping the quarterback room. They signed Russell Wilson early on, and he is Fields' competition for the starting job. Wilson could also be beneficial for Fields, as they are both athletic quarterbacks. Fields could learn a lot from an established veteran like Wilson, who happens to have a similar playstyle.

Wilson is expected to be the Steelers' starting quarterback to begin the 2024 season, but there will be some form of competition between him and Fields once training camp gets underway. Both quarterback's contracts expire following the 2024 season. Pittsburgh should be expected to sign at least one of them to a team-friendly extension before the season gets started. 

Fields didn't play well in Chicago, but he was surrounded by a bunch of instability and a below average roster. Pittsburgh is the opposite. Tomlin speaks for himself, as the longest tenured head coach in the league. Arthur Smith is new to Pittsburgh, but has proven he can be one of the best coordinators in the NFL. The offensive line is revamped, defense is elite, and if Pittsburgh can get another receiver, it should be considered one of the easiest teams to quarterback for in the NFL. 

When Fields gets an opportunity in Pittsburgh, there won't be any excuses like there were in Chicago. The Steelers need to be careful when deciding if they want to extend Fields ahead of the 2024 season.

Steelers Won't Work On Any Deals Once The 2024 Season Begins

Traditionally, the Steelers don't do any contract related business once the season kicks off. General Manager Omar Khan confirmed that that tradition will continue in 2024. Training camp will be big for Pittsburgh. They need to get the team ready to compete, but also need to decide on some crucial contracts. 

Both Fields and Wilson are potential extension candidates, along with Harris and Pat Freiermuth. Freiermuth and Harris are expected to be huge factors in Smith's offense, so getting the extension done ahead of the season could be wise for the Steelers. Both players will have a big opportunity to increase their value in 2024. 

What do you think about extending Fields? Comment below.

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