The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 season with two quarterbacks on one-year offers. As such, when the season ended, the franchise had a troublesome choice on their arms. That they had little interest in bringing Russell Wilson again, however did make a proposal to Justin Fields. Finally, Fields selected the New York Jets, who merely supplied greater than the Steelers did.
Even a few months later, NBC Sports activities’ Michael Holley can’t imagine the Steelers didn’t provide Fields more cash.
“I’m nonetheless simply flabbergasted that the Steelers didn’t signal Justin Fields to the contract that the Jets did,” Holley mentioned talking with Mike Florio on Professional Soccer Discuss on Friday. “It’s important cash, but it surely’s low-risk, and it’s not long-term… It’s affordable, it’s in all probability common to below-average [salary], when you evaluate it to different beginning quarterbacks.”
Finally, there have been a pair causes Justin Fields might have chosen the Jets. One has to do with the contract particularly. Aditi Kinkhabwala reported earlier this offseason that the Jets assured cash previous the primary 12 months of his deal, whereas the Steelers didn’t.
Since becoming a member of the Jets, Fields has by no means mentioned something near damaging relating to Pittsburgh. His phrases present that it may not be one thing he thinks about in any respect. Nonetheless, there’s a great probability he felt safer about his future with New York.
Justin Fields’ worth was at an all-time low when the Steelers traded for him final offseason. Then, with Russell Wilson pressured to overlook time because of a lingering calf damage, Fields received his probability. He was removed from excellent, however did nicely to restrict his errors and led the Steelers to 4 victories in six video games. You don’t get something for “almosts” on this league, however even the 2 losses have been aggressive.
And but, Pittsburgh determined to change again to Wilson regardless of the robust begin. After benching Fields, they proceeded to make use of him in extraordinarily restricted vogue over the remainder of the 12 months. He’s spoken about his respect for Mike Tomlin since leaving Pittsburgh. But additionally mentioned himself that he wasn’t comfy in 2024. Even when the Steelers matched the Jets’ actual provide, Fields might have picked New York anyway if he felt extra comfy a few path to significant snaps.
When the Steelers determined to let Fields stroll, they in all probability didn’t anticipate to nonetheless be ready for Aaron Rodgers because the calendar turns to June. At this level within the offseason, one has to surprise in the event that they made the fitting choice. The 2026 NFL Draft is an opportunity to seek out their subsequent quarterback. Nonetheless, if Fields does nicely in 2025, and Rodgers, or Cousins, or Rudolph doesn’t, a number of questions might be requested of the Steelers’ choice makers.
Justin Fields will get his first probability to show Pittsburgh unsuitable in Week 1, when the Jets host the Steelers to kick off the common season.
