A lot of people were upset when the Chicago Bears traded Justin Fields. Some of it was because they wanted to give him another year after a solid finish to 2023. Others were upset because all the Bears got in return was a conditional 6th round pick. It could improve to a 4th rounder if Fields ends up playing 51% of the offensive snaps this coming season. That felt like a foolhardy decision by GM Ryan Poles, considering Fields was battling seven-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson for the job.
Thus far, things have unfolded as expected. Wilson was named the starter this past week and earned team captain honors. However, Albert Breer of the MMQB revealed some interesting information regarding that situation in Pittsburgh. He has it on good authority that several people in the organization think the separation between Wilson and Fields is razor-thin. Some even felt Fields should’ve gotten the job. This means if Wilson struggles to start the year, Pittsburgh is ready and willing to make a change.
Don’t be surprised if Justin Fields becomes the Steelers’ starter at some point this season. I’ll build off what I said last week, and say that it does make sense for Pittsburgh to start the season with Russell Wilson at quarterback. If the coaches think it’s close, and they do, and there’s doubt with each guy, it’s logical to give yourself two shots at getting the most important position on the field right…
…Bottom line: This isn’t anyone’s first rodeo in Pittsburgh, and Fields took some fundamental changes that the offensive coaches gave him (one being a return to the type of footwork he’d used at Ohio State), and really worked on them over the past few weeks of camp. It was enough to have some folks internally push for Fields to start. There was, too, plenty of merit to the idea. But the way it is now, again, to give yourself two shots, also makes plenty of sense.
Right now, the Bears have seven picks in the draft next year, including the Steelers’ 6th. If this plays out as hoped, that would shift to a 4th. Don’t forget Poles has added Roschon Johnson, Tyler Scott, and now Tory Taylor in that round. Such an upgrade could prove highly beneficial. The obvious uncertainty is whether Wilson will relinquish the job. Many are convinced the former Seahawks superstar has lost his edge. Whatever magic he had four years ago vanished since leaving for Denver. He looks older, slower, and not as dynamic.
A big reason Justin Fields is supported in Pittsburgh’s locker room is his versatility. He offers more ways to open up the offense. While not as precise of a passer as Wilson, he throws well enough and is much more dangerous as a runner. Considering how top-heavy the Steelers are at wide receiver (on paper), having a quarterback who can enhance your ground game feels important. The Bears stand to benefit if that thinking prevails in the coming weeks.
