Everybody immediately said the Chicago Bears got fleeced when they traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Getting only a conditional 6th round pick felt like a waving of the white flag to experts. GM Ryan Poles waited too long to pull the trigger. As time has gone on, though, the Bears might be the ones who came away with the better end of that deal. Reports out of Pittsburgh haven’t exactly been glowing for Fields. It started with rumors the team might experiment with him as a kick return. Then it was former Steeler Le’Veon Bell criticizing his ability to throw on time.
Now Pittsburgh beat writer Mike DeFabo of The Athletic put it in further perspective in his recent column. Based on everything seen during OTAs and minicamps, Fields hasn’t impressed. Russell Wilson is already running away with the job before training camp even begins. Fields continues to suffer from the same issues that plagued him in Chicago.
4. Can Justin Fields make this a competition?
Because right now, it’s not. Wilson has taken the overwhelming majority of meaningful reps, including on the final day of minicamp, when almost every veteran took off on what felt like the last day of school. Really, it’s hard to argue with this decision right now because Wilson has clearly been the better quarterback and has begun to take hold of the leadership aspects of the position.
The major opportunity for Fields lies in preseason games. Because he’s still working on processing the game more quickly and his accuracy can be spotty, the former Bears QB doesn’t often shine in seven-on-seven situations. But once the pads come on and he can showcase his speed and athleticism, he’s a difference-maker. Although he’ll face an uphill climb to challenge Wilson for the QB1 spot on the depth chart, at least early, it’s worth remembering Fields might also be auditioning for his next job in the preseason.
They were the primary reasons GM Ryan Poles decided to move on. While he had improved as a passer, he hadn’t improved enough. If this team is going to challenge the NFL elite, they need somebody under center who can win games with his arm.
That is to become a backup. Since 2015, eight quarterbacks selected in the 1st round have already transitioned to a clear #2 role with another team. Fields is currently the most likely to become #9. His chances of overcoming Wilson during training camp feel almost impossible. The only thing that might change that is an injury. He may not be the player he was five years ago, but Wilson is still a more proven passer. Even if Fields chose to take his chances in free agency next year, the odds are low that another team would give him a shot at the starting job.
Remember, Pittsburgh was the only one who made a serious offer to get him. Plenty of others had more than enough time to make a trade. If they felt he had the capability to be a starter, they would’ve. The silent market speaks volumes about the NFL’s thoughts on Justin Fields. Those reservations seem validated with each passing practice. He should be a fine backup. Teams can win with him. Sadly, something is missing. He doesn’t have the necessary processing speed to ever take that final step.
