Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin alluded at the team’s plans for quarterback Justin Fields, which sound very different from the public narrative that the team intends to start Russell Wilson in Week 1.
After a busy week of free agency, the Steelers dealt Fields to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick. Tomlin told Russell Wilson that the veteran quarterback would be the starter following reports of the transaction that would bring Fields to Pittsburgh. If Wilson performs well in Pittsburgh during the 2024 season, the Steelers want to extend his contract the following year.
However, the Steelers may be intending to extend Fields after the season, which might occur when Fields earns the starting job. According to Nick Farbaugh of the Steelers. Tomlin stated at the annual league meeting on Sunday that Fields is the QB2 so that he can learn from Wilson:
“Russell is a veteran, dude. He has a proven preparedness process in place. He’s been in the league a long time, and he’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, and running backs; he simply has a lot of knowledge with what it takes over a 12-month period. I just believe that’s something a younger man like Justin can learn from, and it provides clarity for all parties involved as they conduct some of the casual things around this time of year.”
Fields is getting an opportunity with the Steelers that he never had with the Bears: to understand how the position is played at the NFL level in the spring while shadowing a solid starter. According to Farabaugh, Fields is happy about his current position and believes he will be able to “compete” for the starting job in the future.
“Justin will be given the opportunity to compete, and we’ll let those folks sort themselves out. But I believed it was appropriate to discuss it so that we could get started. Russell is in pole position, and I believe his corpus of work warrants it. And based on my interactions with Justin, he is anxious to work alongside Russell and learn some of those veteran techniques of the trade.”
Tomlin’s comments regarding the interplay between Fields and Wilson for OTAs are similar to what he told Kenny Pickett about his strategy. Wilson will receive QB1 reps throughout OTAs and training camp, but Fields will have a shot to contend for the job.
The Steelers are unlikely to pick up Fields’ fifth-year option, as it would cost them $25 million next season. However, the Steelers did not bring Fields in solely as a backup this season. They want him to learn the position so that he can lead the Steelers in future seasons.
