Steelers’ QB Competition Heats Up as Justin Fields Looks to Challenge Russell Wilson
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered this offseason at a crossroads, unsure of who would lead their team at quarterback. They decided to sign Russell Wilson and give him the opportunity to win the starting job. However, Justin Fields, who was traded to the Steelers from the Chicago Bears, is determined to compete and change the pecking order.
Fields expressed his competitiveness during a recent interview, stating, “I’m definitely competing. I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting all year.” Despite Wilson being in pole position, Fields is pushing himself to be his best and pushing Wilson to do the same.
Fields had expressed his desire to join the Steelers even before Wilson’s arrival. He was drawn to the team’s culture, consistency, and the standards set by Coach Mike Tomlin. The opportunity to be a part of an organization with a strong reputation appealed to Fields.
In the short term, the Steelers plan to give Wilson the early chance to win the starting job due to his experience and leadership qualities. However, the situation becomes more complicated in the long term. Both quarterbacks are on one-year deals currently, but Wilson has expressed his desire to play for several more seasons. If the Steelers can tap into Fields’ unique skillset and help him reach his potential, they may have their next long-term starter waiting in the wings.
Fields’ potential is certainly intriguing. As the 11th pick in the 2021 draft, he was highly regarded for his strong arm and dynamic running ability. However, he struggled during his tenure with the Bears, going 10-28 as a starter and facing challenges such as turnovers and sacks. Fields’ time in Chicago was marked by ups and downs, but he appreciates the relationships he built and has nothing but love for the city and its fans.
One of the factors that make Fields an interesting addition to the Steelers roster is the argument that he wasn’t put in the best situations to succeed in Chicago. He was drafted by a coaching staff on its way out, played behind a shaky offensive line, and lacked offensive weapons. In Pittsburgh, he will have a highly compensated defense to rely on and the opportunity to learn from Wilson, whom he has admired and modeled his game after.
Additionally, the Steelers plan to be a physical, running football team under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. This offensive identity, along with an improved offensive line and a reliable running game, should provide the quarterback with better passing situations.
The question now is how much of an opportunity Fields will get to showcase his abilities and prove himself as a better quarterback than the one the Bears traded away for a conditional sixth-round pick. Fields believes he has a lot more room to grow and is determined to reach his full potential, stating, “I’m not the same quarterback that I was last year… I think I have a lot more room to grow. I’m nowhere near my ceiling.”
As the Steelers’ QB competition unfolds, it will be a major storyline in the NFL. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Fields can make a case for himself and challenge Wilson for the starting job. Only time will tell how this situation will ultimately play out, but one thing is for certain: the Steelers’ quarterback room just got a lot more interesting.