A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback position, leaving fans with numerous unanswered questions. The team's pursuit of a starting quarterback has been marked by a series of intriguing possibilities. This includes the widely discussed potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers (a frontrunner in the speculation), and the consideration of Russell Wilson (who was their starter last season). Adding to the confusion, the Steelers also saw Justin Fields land with the New York Jets, further fueling speculation about their initial plans.
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Quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson sit on the bench during a regular season game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Were the Steelers' intentions clear from the outset? To shed light on the team's quarterback strategy, Jeremy Fowler, a senior national NFL writer, recently appeared on The Dan Patrick Show, offering his insights into who the Steelers initially targeted.
"I do believe they were all in on Fields," Fowler stated.
This statement leaves many wondering what went awry for Fields during his time with the Steelers. Initially acquired from the Chicago Bears, Fields' arrival in Pittsburgh was met with optimism, as the Steelers secured him for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, a conditional selection that could have escalated to a fourth-round pick if Fields had achieved a significant playing time threshold of 51% of offensive snaps. However, this condition remained unmet, resulting in the Bears retaining the Steelers' sixth-round pick for the upcoming draft.
The subsequent turn of events saw Fields swiftly sign with the New York Jets, where he inked a two-year, $40 million contract, featuring a substantial $30 million in guaranteed money. This significant financial commitment from the Jets strongly suggests that they envision Fields as their starting quarterback, a stark contrast to his perceived role in Pittsburgh. The disparity between his potential in New York and his actual role in Pittsburgh raises questions about the Steelers' initial intentions and how the situation evolved.
"They put together an offer for Justin Fields that I was told was very competitive with what the Jets offered him, [Fowler then continued], something went off where he chose the Jets and he must've felt the love more," Fowler added.
Fields' arrival in Pittsburgh initially suggested a role as a backup quarterback, providing support behind Wilson. However, the dynamics of the situation shifted dramatically when Wilson sustained a calf injury, thrusting Fields into the starting lineup. This unexpected opportunity allowed Fields to showcase his abilities, and he seized the moment, delivering a series of impressive performances that gave the Steelers' fan base excitement.
During his time as the starter, Fields earned a commendable 4-2 record, demonstrating his capacity to lead the team to victory. His statistical output further underscored his potential, as he amassed 1,106 passing yards, threw for five touchdowns, and exhibited remarkable ball security, committing only one interception.
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Former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields runs off the playing surface following a Week 6 game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.
These performances fueled a surge of optimism among Steelers fans, who began to envision Fields as a potential long-term solution at quarterback. However, their hopes were tempered when Fields was benched in Week 7, a decision that appeared to be solely predicated on Wilson's return from injury. This abrupt change in Fields' role, despite his strong performance, sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Fields was indeed a capable starting quarterback.
The offseason move to the Jets, where Fields has been signed to a substantial contract, validates this assessment. The Jets' decision to invest heavily in Fields suggests that they view him as a viable starter, a belief that aligns with the impressions he made during his brief, but impactful tenure with the Steelers. The Jets' commitment to Fields emphasized the idea that his talent and potential were recognized by other teams, even if the Steelers' plans ultimately diverged.
The Steelers Are Now Playing The Waiting Game
Fowler discussed the Steelers' quarterbacks on The Dan Patrick Show, and based on the Fields situation, he explained what he thinks their plan is.
"They're waiting on the situation, they're not bringing any other quarterbacks in for visits that I'm aware of," Fowler added.
While discussions have swirled around potential backup plans for the Steelers' quarterback position, particularly in the event that the Rodgers scenario doesn't materialize, it's becoming increasingly apparent that the team may already be on their backup plan. With Rodgers still drawing interest from other franchises, such as the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants, the Steelers have also been looking towards the upcoming NFL Draft. The ultimate decision remains uncertain, but the Steelers' fan base is undeniably eager for clarity.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan talks on the phone during a practice in the Steel City.
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