The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant changes this offseason following a subpar 2023 season, especially regarding their offense and quarterback performance. Seeking external help, they signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 OTAs.
This decision upset Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, who subsequently requested a trade. The Steelers honored his request, sending him to the Philadelphia Eagles. Seizing another opportunity, the Steelers traded for quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. Now, Pittsburgh boasts two solid quarterbacks, with Fields serving as the backup, but having a chance to challenge Wilson for the starting job.
Looking ahead to the end of the 2024 season, the Steelers' quarterback situation could become complex. Both Wilson and Fields will be seeking new contracts or might test the market. While Pittsburgh seems to favor Wilson and may extend his contract if he performs well, the future of Fields remains uncertain. Offering Fields several million to remain a backup seems unlikely.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo discussed with 93.7 The Fan how Fields can still impress the organization despite limited opportunities as the backup.
"I think they want to find out as much about Justin as they can from July 24th until opening day. And we really didn't see this in OTAs. Russell really wanted to be out there every day. He didn't miss any practices. A lot of times, what you'll see with the Steelers, and they did this with Ben [Roethlisberger]... they'll purposely rest guys every third or fourth day just to give them a rest. And on those days, those are gonna be huge opportunities for Justin Fields to go out there with the ones to show what he can do.”
As it stands, Wilson will be the starter unless he gets injured. If Fields goes the entire season without regular season reps or starts, how can Pittsburgh fully evaluate him? Fittipaldo believes that training camp will be crucial for Fields and his future with the Steelers.
"You're not gonna see Justin Fields maybe with the ones a whole lot in the preseason games unless there's an injury, but I think we'll see that maybe five, six times during training camp. And I think on those days when he does get to go with the ones, he's gonna have to prove himself and show the coaching staff and the front office that he might be a part of this team's future."
The Steelers' quarterback situation has certainly improved, giving fans a genuine reason to be excited for the upcoming season. However, concerns remain.
Ashlee Rezin / Sun-Times
Former Bears QB Justin Fields looks on after a game.
Wilson joins Pittsburgh after two struggling seasons with the Denver Broncos, and Fields arrives after three disappointing seasons with the Bears. Assessing Fields' situation is challenging, similar to Pickett and the Steelers. Both quarterbacks were thrust into difficult situations, showing glimpses of potential while also revealing significant red flags.
Steelers' Russell Wilson And Justin Fields Both Eager For Redemption
Wilson, at 35, has had a long and remarkable NFL career, despite a grim picture painted by his last two seasons with the Broncos. In 2023, Wilson managed 26 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions. Fields, on the other hand, is younger and exciting due to his athletic ability and running skills. However, his instincts have been questioned. During his three seasons with the Bears, Fields threw 40 touchdowns, but also 30 interceptions.
Michael Reaves / Getty Images
Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson (left) and Justin Fields (right) meet on the field following a professional football matchup at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.
If Fields can impress the Steelers, he could be a long-term solution due to his youth. However, if he struggles as he did with the Bears, the Steelers will find themselves in the same predicament they were in with Pickett. By the end of the 2024 season, the Steelers will have more clarity on how to approach their quarterback situation. For Fields, taking full advantage of practice reps will be crucial if he hopes to remain in Pittsburgh.
#SteelerNation
