Steelers Must Hurry And Extend Justin Fields Before They 'Lose All Of Their Leverage'

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves this offseason, particularly at the quarterback position. They signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. Following that, they traded for Justin Fields, only giving up a conditional sixth-round pick that could become a fourth-round pick based on Fields' playing time in 2024.

Fields was drafted 11th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He joined the Chicago Bears with high expectations as the future of the franchise. However, he faced challenges and struggled during his three seasons with the Bears. Fields threw 40 touchdown passes but also had 30 interceptions. He excelled as a runner, ranking among the best running quarterbacks in the league, with 2,220 rushing yards on 356 carries and 14 rushing touchdowns over three seasons.

While Fields' rushing abilities are elite, his passing game needs improvement, and his time with the Bears was difficult. He joins the Steelers hoping to learn from Wilson and play with less pressure. Currently, he is the backup quarterback but will have a chance to compete. The Steelers declined his fifth-year option, a sensible decision as picking it up would have guaranteed Fields $25.7 million in 2025, which would not be justifiable. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly shared his thoughts on what Pittsburgh might do regarding Fields and his future with the team.

“Fields is a curious case. He didn’t have his fifth-year option picked up, and rightfully so (it would have guaranteed him $25.7 million in 2025). His shortcomings over his first three seasons don’t warrant a lucrative extension. Still, if the Steelers use 2024 to determine whether he is the long-term answer at the position, they would lose all of their leverage by allowing him to hit free agency.”

Kaboly notes that if the organization waits until the 2024 season to decide on Fields, they will lose all leverage. He explained what they should do to minimize their risk while ensuring they don't miss out on Fields' potential.

“The prudent thing to do is extend him now at a reduced price to ensure that he will be on the roster in 2025 without a huge risk to the salary cap. The Packers did that with Jordan Love, albeit before the fifth-year option deadline. Prediction: Extended”

Both Steelers quarterbacks come to Pittsburgh with massive chips on their shoulders. During Wilson's two seasons with the Broncos, he struggled to win games and became a meme on social media. 

Many football fans have forgotten that he's a Super Bowl champion and a nine-time Pro Bowler. Wilson is eager to seize the chance in the Steel City to remind everyone of his championship pedigree, even at the age of 35.

Steelers' Justin Fields Is Viewed As The Future In Pittsburgh

Fields arrives in Pittsburgh with a similar determination but a less established NFL resume. Having played just three seasons, his struggles with the Bears were as much about the organization's issues as his own. Despite this, Fields has shown flashes of potential that have Steeler Nation excited. Learning from Wilson and facing less pressure should be beneficial for the athletic Fields.

Wilson has expressed a desire to finish his career in Pittsburgh, but at 35, many wonder how much time he has left and whether the organization wants to invest heavily in an aging veteran. It makes more sense to start planning for the future and see if Fields can be a part of that. With the Broncos paying most of Wilson's salary, the Steelers' financial commitment to their quarterbacks will become more complex after the 2024 season. It'll be interesting to see if the Steelers work out a low-risk deal with Fields, keeping leverage as Kaboly suggested, before the 2024 season starts.