The Chicago Bears wanted to do right by Justin Fields when they decided to trade him earlier this off-season. While they had a few potential suitors, the quarterback made it clear he wanted to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. He liked their organization, and head coach Mike Tomlin was reportedly a big fan. There was only one problem. Pittsburgh had already signed seven-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson in free agency. Sure, the Steelers insisted there would be an open competition for the starting job. However, everybody immediately assumed they’d traded for Fields as a reliable backup.
Since then, his stock hasn’t exactly improved. Reports out of early practices indicate Fields struggling with consistent accuracy and timing. Both were issues during his time in Chicago. Meanwhile, Wilson has apparently looked good and has seized control of the leadership position in the locker room. If that weren’t bad enough, even the oddsmakers don’t think it’s even remotely a competition. BetOnline gives Fields +550 odds to win the starting job, with Wilson at -1000. In other words, the battle is over before it begins.
It was apparent from the overall lack of a trade market that the wider NFL has a low opinion of him as a quarterback. That may come from his inability to average over 200 yards per game in a season, not to mention his bad tendency for too many turnovers. Nobody disputes his athleticism. Fields is special in that category. Right up there with Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson. The problem is that alone doesn’t win championships. You have to consistently make high-level throws in this league to have a chance.
Wilson may not be what he was four or five years ago, but he’s still a solid enough passer. Love him or hate him, he’s far more proven than Justin Fields. It shouldn’t surprise anybody that he has looked better from the outset. Fields needs serious good fortune if he’s ever going to get another chance at a starting job. As of now, teams see him as more of a backup with dynamic physical traits. There is a place for somebody like that in the league. Unfortunately, it likely isn’t the one Fields wants.
