The Big Lead

If the Steelers go with Justin Fields they really have no idea what they’re doing

Mike Tomlin is in a very weird place right now as Pittsburgh still struggles to find a permanent QB.

By Matt Reed

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson throws the ball as Justin Fields looks during warm ups for a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson throws the ball as Justin Fields looks during warm ups for a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images / Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have have reached the playoffs in 2024, but with looming questions about the most important position on their team still unsolved there are lots of eyes on the team as free agency draws closer next week.

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Last season, Pittsburgh brought in two free agent options with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but now the Steelers have to make a choice on one or potentially go outside the team and try to solve their revolving door of quarterbacks with another option.

Somehow though, reports continue to swirl that the Steelers would be content by bringing back Fields in 2025 despite benching him for Wilson last season. In 2024, Fields played a key role in Pittsburgh's first six games, winning four of them before head coach Mike Tomlin opted to go with Wilson the rest of the way.

While Fields didn't turn the ball over much during his time as the starter, he also wasn't exactly a massive spark in the passing game, which was clearly why the Steelers weren't confident in him spreading the ball around.

Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig celebrates between Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields
Oct 13, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) celebrates between Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) after making a defensive play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Fields feels like a quality NFL backup quarterback, but for the Steelers to go into another season suddenly confident in his abilities to lead the team feels like a massive mistake. And perhaps they will go out and draft another option in April, but it continuously feels like Pittsburgh has no idea how to handle the position.

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