If quarterback Justin Fields held a grudge towards the Pittsburgh Steelers, that might be comprehensible.
Fields (who has since signed a two-year, $40M cope with the New York Jets) went 4-2 in six begins with the Steelers in 2024 earlier than Russell Wilson recovered from a calf damage and assumed the beginning function. Wilson (now with the New York Giants) went 6-5 in 11 regular-season begins and misplaced to the Baltimore Ravens within the AFC wild-card spherical.
In his first news conference with the Jets, Fields did not bash his former staff however indicated not getting one other shot bothered him.
“It was completely different for me and an area I wasn’t actually comfy,” Fields stated Wednesday. “However [Steelers head coach Mike] Tomlin decided he thought was finest for the staff. I am by no means going to go towards that. I simply tried to vary my perspective and get higher in apply.”
Fields stated the choice did not persuade him to signal with the Jets in free company, and he is centered on proving he could be a profitable beginning QB within the NFL.
“Undoubtedly one thing that I need to show to myself,” Fields stated. “And I feel expectations for myself are increased than anyone else’s, to be trustworthy with you. So one thing to show for myself.”
Fields’ profession has been turbulent to this point. For the reason that Chicago Bears chosen him with decide No. 11 within the 2021 NFL Draft, he has tossed 45 landing passes however has a 14-30 beginning file within the common season.
In 10 regular-season video games with Pittsburgh final season, the 26-year-old had 10 touchdowns (5 passing and 5 speeding) however threw for greater than 300 passing yards only once.
Whether or not he can attain his potential with the Jets stays unclear. Fields is reuniting with star New York vast receiver Garrett Wilson, whom he performed with at Ohio State from 2019-20. Nevertheless, the Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010, they usually have a rookie head coach, Aaron Glenn.
Nonetheless, Fields salvaging his profession would make the Steelers surprise if they need to’ve achieved extra to retain him, particularly if they do not signal quarterback Aaron Rodgers and are compelled to begin Mason Rudolph in Week 1.
