Justin Fields knew a trade was coming earlier this offseason and he felt relieved that he landed in Pittsburgh.
Even though it seems sense that the Bears wouldn’t want to lose out on a generational talent like Caleb Williams, Fields didn’t have much time to grow in Chicago.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles wanted to position Fields for success in his next stop, even if it meant turning down a bigger offer in order to send Fields to a team with a strong management structure.
Naturally, the Steelers only sent Chicago a conditional sixth-round pick for Fields, who could be selected in the fourth round in 2024, depending on how much of a player he plays. Fields conveyed his gratitude to Poles for sending him to Pittsburgh during a Tuesday media appearance.
Fields expressed appreciation towards Poles, highlighting the communication between them facilitated by his agent. He conveyed his desired destination, and Poles honored that preference, ultimately placing him where he wanted to be. Fields expressed gratitude for Poles’ efforts in accommodating his wishes and ensuring he landed in his desired spot.
While Fields understands the Steelers’ intention to start Russell Wilson in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, he remains determined to compete for the presumed starting job.
Fields emphasized that both he and Wilson are aware of the competition they face throughout the offseason. Despite this, they are committed to maintaining a positive and supportive teammate dynamic throughout the process.
Fields emphasized that he does not have the mindset of merely sitting on the sidelines throughout the year. Instead, he is committed to giving his all every day and pushing both himself and Wilson to be their best. He recognizes the importance of mutual support and competition, which drives both players to continually improve and excel.
Fields and Wilson will undoubtedly both be striving to demonstrate that they are starting-caliber quarterbacks in the NFL.
For Fields, the goal will be to showcase that he is the long-term answer for the Steelers at the quarterback position, solidifying his place as a franchise quarterback.
As for Wilson, it will be about proving that his tenure in Denver does not define his future as a starting quarterback. He aims to illustrate that he still has many productive years ahead of him as a top-tier quarterback in the league.
Indeed, regardless of the role Fields assumes—whether as a backup, earning the starting job over Wilson, or excelling in a different capacity such as kick returner—the Steelers promise to be an intriguing team to watch.
Despite offensive challenges, the Steelers secured a playoff berth last year with a 10-7 record. Any improvement at the quarterback position, combined with their strong defense, bodes well for their performance in the upcoming 2024 season. With potential upgrades on offense, the Steelers could be poised for even greater success.