The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines this offseason by acquiring quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. However, this move followed the signing of veteran Russell Wilson, leading many to believe Wilson would be the undisputed starter. Early reports from training camp seem to confirm this assumption, and raise concerns about Fields’ ability to develop in Pittsburgh.
Fields Fails to Make an Impact in Early Practices
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic recently highlighted the Steelers’ winners and losers of the offseason, placing Fields squarely in the latter category. According to Kaboly, Fields hasn’t seen much action with the first-team offense, a clear indication that Wilson is the frontrunner for the starting quarterback position. While this isn’t entirely surprising, more concerning is the report that Fields continues to struggle with the same issues that plagued him in Chicago.
Kaboly acknowledges Fields’ undeniable physical talents, noting his “arm strength, speed, and playmaking ability with his legs.” However, he goes on to point out the quarterback’s persistent inconsistencies: “inconsistent accuracy and relying on his feet too quickly after the first read.” These issues, Kaboly suggests, might be difficult to fix within the timeframe of a training camp.
Uncertain Future for Fields in Pittsburgh
While Wilson is only signed to a one-year contract, leaving the door open for Fields to potentially take over in 2025, his path to becoming the Steelers’ starting quarterback is far from guaranteed. Fields’ performance during his three years with the Bears was underwhelming, with a 10-28 record as a starter. Although not solely responsible for the team’s struggles, Fields failed to demonstrate consistent high-level play.
Fields’ 2023 season, his best statistically, showcased both his potential and his limitations. He threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, completing 61.4% of his passes for an 86.3 passer rating. While his rushing ability added another dimension to his game, with 657 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground, his overall performance left much to be desired.
The Steelers acquired Fields for a relatively low cost, trading a conditional sixth-round pick that could become a fourth-rounder. This suggests that the team saw potential in Fields but may not be fully committed to him as their long-term solution.
Opportunity Knocks, but Will Fields Answer?
If Wilson suffers an injury or underperforms, Fields will likely get a chance to prove himself in 2024. However, whether he can capitalize on that opportunity and convince the Steelers that he is their quarterback of the future remains to be seen. His continued struggles in training camp raise serious questions about his development and his ability to overcome the flaws that have hindered his career thus far. Only time will tell if Fields can turn things around in Pittsburgh.
