The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 offseason has been marked by significant moves, especially revolving around their quarterback room. The most notable decision was signing former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. This decision displeased their young quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was averse to facing quarterback competition. Consequently, Pickett requested a trade, and Pittsburgh accommodated him.
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Steelers' Justin Fields during his time with the Chicago Bears.
Following Pickett's departure, the Steelers traded with the Chicago Bears to acquire quarterback Justin Fields. As a result, none of the Steelers' 2023 quarterbacks who saw game action remain with the team. The current quarterback room now features Wilson as the starter and Fields as the backup. Fields will have a chance to compete for the starting position in 2024, but it appears Wilson will be the starter unless something unexpected occurs.
The Steelers' quarterback situation has been a hot topic among pundits throughout the offseason. Some believe Wilson can lead Pittsburgh back to glory, while others are skeptical. Meanwhile, some argue that Fields would be the ideal quarterback for new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith's system.
NFL pundit Kyle Brandt joined Mina Kimes on her podcast on Monday. During the show, Brandt explained why he hasn't given up on Fields' future, though he acknowledged that Fields' stock has significantly declined. Despite this, Brandt is still holding some stock in Fields' potential, but he also blames him for the struggles in Chicago.
"I got a few. I mean, it's cheap, it's really cheap. He's a burst player. He'll give you an amazing quarter, or a great half, but usually it ends up losing for the Bears, and it's a lot of the time his fault," Brandt said. "There was this amazing civil war between the Fields apologists and the people that were actually saying it's his fault. The answer was both. The Bears didn't support him, and he did make a lot of poor plays in big moments. You'll get something, but I don't think you'll get it consistently."
The Bears drafted Fields in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting him 11th overall. Many believed he would become a standout player in Chicago. During his three seasons with the Bears, Fields showed promise and potential, but also revealed several critical flaws that many analysts consider significant red flags.
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Former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields takes off with the football.
When the Bears sought to trade Fields, the market's response indicated that the league currently views him as a backup quarterback. Over his three seasons, Fields threw 40 touchdown passes, but also 30 interceptions, and his record with the Bears was 10-28. This record isn't solely his fault, as the organization struggled with a revolving door of personnel, making it difficult for Fields to thrive.
However, winning just 10 games in three seasons as an NFL quarterback is concerning. Brandt acknowledges this and also holds Fields accountable for many of those losses. Fans often saw his struggles, but they were sometimes confused by his potential due to his occasional incredible deep-ball throws.
Where Fields truly excels is as a runner. He is one of the best and most dangerous quarterbacks on the ground in the NFL. As a rusher, Fields carried the ball 356 times for 2,220 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Despite his prowess on the ground, his 30 interceptions are a major concern and a key reason for his low trade value.
Steelers Hope That Justin Fields Can Learn From Russell Wilson
If Fields can correct his flaws and take better care of the football as a passer, he still has the immense potential he showed when he entered the league. Fields remains a bit of an enigma. His potential is enormous, and he is still early in his career. When Pittsburgh traded for Fields they told him that they want him to learn from Wilson.
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Steelers QB's Justin Fields and Russell Wilson look on during practice.
It will be interesting to see if he can relieve some pressure and learn from Wilson in 2024. If he can do that and improve as a passer, Fields could be the future in Pittsburgh. Brandt isn't ready to completely write off Fields, but does hold him responsible for his struggles in Chicago.
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