Among the various quarterback options available to the Steelers, Justin Fields has emerged as the preferred choice for many fans and analysts. His appeal lies in his youth, athleticism, and a decent performance in his last games. In the start of the 2024 season, Fields led the team to a 4-2 record over six games. However, the Steelers eventually decided to switch things up by bringing in Russell Wilson.
Looking back, what exactly did the Steelers notice in that six-game stretch with Fields at the helm, and what strategic changes might they consider if he were to lead their offense again? A worthwhile question arises: if Fields steps up as the offensive leader, how might he change his approach? It’s also intriguing to ponder whether giving him such a role would be beneficial or not.
Brooke Pryor from ESPN is one among several Steelers reporters who believes Fields could be the team’s best bet. She recently shared her insights on the quarterback situation and discussed the team’s likely perception of Fields, as well as his own view of his starting role last season.
“They seem impressed with his ability to move around the field. He’s got a strong and capable arm. His decision-making showed signs of improvement,” Pryor commented on ESPN Radio. “But let’s not overlook the fact that he was playing it safe because he knew Russell Wilson was right on his heels. He wanted to remain the starter for as long as possible.”
Fields’ performance was relatively cautious; he threw only one interception over 161 passing attempts last season. This contrasts sharply with the 30 interceptions he threw during his first three NFL seasons, where he averaged a 3.1% interception rate. Although his performance window with the Steelers is small, that percentage was significantly reduced, and even with an additional interception, it would have remained low.
However, glimpses of Fields’ tenure in Chicago were evident too, with ball security and snap exchanges causing him trouble, resulting in six fumbles. Yet, his athleticism shone through as he rushed for 289 yards and scored five touchdowns—a chunk of which came when he assumed the role of a backup, making occasional appearances.
“I’m really curious to see how Fields would perform without playing so cautiously,” Pryor added. “There’s a middle ground between taking huge risks and avoiding turnovers altogether. I think the Steelers are optimistic they can find that balance with him.”
Should the Steelers truly believe they can develop Fields into their franchise quarterback, it’s unlikely they’d consider parting ways with him. If they are convinced of his potential to be the player they need, matching any competitive offers and securing his position on the team would be a logical move before he hits free agency.
While a franchise quarterback is indeed a precious asset, the fact remains: if Fields had conclusively proven himself, these discussions might not be taking place. The Steelers would be clear about their intent to re-sign him and wouldn’t hesitate to use the franchise tag to secure him if necessary. The absence of such decisive steps speaks volumes about the current state of play.
