Justin Fields sends clear message to Mike Tomlin amidst tussle for starting quarterback spot with Russell Wilson
Justin Fields was brought into be the backup for veteran quarterback Russell Wilson but the Steelers winning start to the season has only solidified the franchise's faith in the young signal caller.
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(L) Russell Wilson and (R) Justin Fields (Image via IMAGO)
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Justin Fields to be Russell Wilson’s backup. Wilson can’t get action three games into the new season because Fields can’t seem to lose any fixtures.
The Steelers are 3-0 after defeating the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers. Fields in those games completed 55/73 (73.3%) of his passes for 518 yards (6.9 yards per attempt), 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
The surprising factor in Fields’ numbers is the drastic decline in ball carrying (90 yards and 1 touchdown from 28 rushes). He is part of the dual-threat quarterback club, but it has barely been on show since moving to Pittsburgh. On Thursday, after the Steelers practice, Fields addressed whether the decreased rushing yards are by design.
“Nah, I need to get my legs going a little bit; it hasn’t been by design. When I see my guys downfield, they can run faster than me—I think. I don’t know, I’m just gonna say they can.”
Justin Fields told Steelers journalist Amanda Godsey
Justin Fields on if his decreased rushing totals the last two games have been by design: “Nah, I need to get my legs going a little bit, it hasn’t been by design. Shoot, when I see my guys downfield, they can run faster than me—I think. I don’t know, I’m just gonna say they can.” pic.twitter.com/DbDxwtKsVQ
— Amanda Godsey (@AmandaFGodsey) September 26, 2024
Regardless, if the 25-year-old keeps performing at the same rate, then he will surpass his previous three-years numbers at the Chicago Bears. Despite that, Justin Fields is still regarded as the backup to Russell Wilson, who remains on the day-to-day injury list because of a sore calf.
Although head coach Mike Tomlin ignored highlighting the subject, the word is that Wilson is still listed as the starting quarterback in the chart. When asked about his opinion, Fields passed a cheeky reply.
A listing on a computer? Nah, I’m good.
Justin Fields remarked
Justin Fields on if he’s bothered by still being listed as QB2 on the Steelers depth chart:
— Amanda Godsey (@AmandaFGodsey) September 26, 2024
“A listing on a computer? Nah, I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/9CCuDYghCD
Steelers weren’t the only team that wanted to trade for Justin Fields
When the Bears committed to drafting Caleb Williams as #1 overall, it was clear that Fields’ time in Chicago was up. The Bears allowed him to seek out trade partners, and he eventually joined the Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick, which could change depending on how his season ends.
A new revelation from Fields himself claimed that the Steelers weren’t the only team to approach the Bears about trading for him. During the recent episode of Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast, Fields disclosed the names of the other teams.
There were a lot of teams that already had solidified quarterbacks, and I didn’t want to do that. Chargers were one, Ravens were another. Raiders, they talked a little bit. I don’t know too much… A lot of teams had solidified quarterbacks who just got new contracts, so I didn’t want to be there.
Justin Fields said (H/T: Ravens Wire)
Justin Fields on @NotJustFootball tells Cam Heyward the Chargers, Ravens and Raiders were teams that were interested in him in the offseason pic.twitter.com/R3Ru3EeHWl
— Pro Football Post (@ProFootballPost) September 26, 2024
As Fields mentioned, both the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers recently extended their quarterbacks’ contracts. The Ravens are led by 2x NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, while the Chargers have invested $262.5 million in Justin Hebert. So, he would not have been the starter in those places.
The Las Vegas Raiders, on the other hand, desperately needed a quarterback, as all-pro receiver Davante Adams recently mentioned. They eventually signed Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million deal. Despite the 1-2 start, Minshew threw for 747 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
That’s not of any Justin Fields’ concern because he needs to keep producing good numbers and put himself in a position where the Steelers can’t drop him. Up next, the Steelers will face AFC South opponents the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4.
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Ishan Misra
(3051 Articles Published)