One transaction stood out for its sheer unpredictability: the Pittsburgh Steelers’ acquisition of quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. This move, involving a mere 2025 conditional sixth-round pick, sent ripples through the NFL community, sparking debates and speculation.
At the heart of this discussion is former Bears executive Josh Lucas, whose insights shed light on the underlying factors that led to such a surprising valuation of Fields, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Assessing Justin Fields
Justin Fields entered the NFL with a blend of athleticism and promise that made him one of the most watched players from his draft class.
His tenure with the Bears showcased a quarterback with undeniable talent, as evidenced by his impressive stats over the past two seasons: 4,804 passing yards, and 33 touchdowns through the air, complemented by 1,800 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Yet, despite these flashes of brilliance, concerns lingered about his consistency and instinctual play.
Josh Lucas, speaking on the “PFF NFL Podcast,” pinpointed the crux of the issue: “Is this just a two-year starting quarterback in college that needs more time? … Or is this like a lack of instinct?” This question, according to Lucas, has led the league to view Fields more as a backup quarterback rather than a starter, at least for now.
A New Chapter in Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers, however, saw an opportunity in Fields that they couldn’t pass up. With the team undergoing a significant makeover at the quarterback position, bringing in Fields behind the seasoned Russell Wilson seemed like a strategic move. Wilson, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, is expected to hold the starting position, but Fields offers a tantalizing prospect for the future.
Pittsburgh’s approach appears to be one of patience and development. Head coach Mike Tomlin has emphasized that Wilson is at the forefront for the starting job, yet the potential in Fields is undeniable. Tomlin’s enthusiasm is palpable: “Oh my god, man, he oozes talent and potential. There’s a lot of meat left on that bone and I’m excited about working on extracting it.”
Ryan Poles said moving on from Justin Fields was one of the more difficult things he's had to do. pic.twitter.com/cD1IzsYLsf
— Dave (@dave_bfr) April 10, 2024
The Road Ahead
The Steelers are in a unique position, balancing between a win-now mentality with Wilson and the development of Fields as a potential franchise quarterback. With both quarterbacks not under contract beyond 2024, the upcoming season will be pivotal in determining the direction of the franchise.
Fields’ journey is not just about proving his capability as a starting quarterback but also about answering the questions that have shadowed his career thus far. Under the mentorship of Wilson and the guidance of Tomlin, the path forward seems to be one of growth and opportunity.
The Steelers’ belief in Fields’ potential speaks volumes, suggesting that while the road may be challenging, the payoff could be significant for both the player and the team.
Source: Yardbarker
