The Pittsburgh Steelers did not appear to anticipate quarterback Justin Fields having a sizzling market in free company.
In a narrative printed Tuesday, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported the Steelers wished Fields to return in 2025 however “at their value.” The New York Jets have been prepared to go above it.
On Monday, New York and Fields agreed to a two-year, $40M take care of $30M assured, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Steelers not eager to overpay for Fields is comprehensible. In 2024, he went 4-2 in six begins earlier than Russell Wilson changed him. Throughout that span, nevertheless, Fields threw for more than 300 yards once.
Fields — whom the Chicago Bears chosen with decide No. 11 within the 2021 NFL Draft — has but to show he is an correct passer. In 4 seasons, he has accomplished a subpar 61.1 % of his passes.
Nonetheless, letting Fields, 26, stroll might show expensive for the Steelers. He might’ve turn out to be a viable starter or commerce chip for Pittsburgh. If the Steelers fail to discover a alternative, the choice might appear like a fair larger mistake.
Pittsburgh’s choices in free company are dwindling. QB Sam Darnold agreed to a three-year, $100.5M deal with the Seattle Seahawks Monday (through Schefter).
Pittsburgh might re-sign Wilson or add QB Aaron Rodgers, who is predicted to be launched by the New York Jets. However neither could be a long-term answer for the Steelers. Wilson is 36, and Rodgers is 41.
The 2025 NFL Draft is not thought-about deep on the place. On his up to date huge board, ESPN’s Field Yates lists solely two QBs (Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders). Each could also be unavailable when Pittsburgh picks at No. 21.
The QB questions nonetheless linger over the Steelers. Reaching an settlement with Fields would’ve supplied some stability.