Head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin, made a clue about the team’s strategy for quarterback Justin Fields. This strategy seems very different from the popular belief that Russell Wilson will open the season for the team.
After a hectic week of free agency, the Steelers acquired Fields by trading a conditional sixth-round pick to the Chicago Bears. After reports surfaced of the trade that would send Fields to Pittsburgh, Tomlin gave Russell Wilson the assurance that the veteran quarterback would start. If Wilson is successful in Pittsburgh during the 2024 season, the Steelers intend to extend him over the upcoming offseason.
But after the season, if Fields maintains his starting position, the Steelers may decide to extend Fields’ contract. According to Steelers’ Nick Farbaugh Currently, Fields is the QB2 so that he may learn from Wilson, according to what Tomlin stated on Sunday at the annual league meeting:
“Man, Russell is a veteran. He has an established preparation method. He’s been in this league for a long time and has the ability to inspire players, tight ends, receivers, and running backs. He simply has a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to succeed throughout a whole season. Simply put, I believe that Justin, who is younger, may learn from it and that it makes things clearer for everyone when they engage in some of the more casual activities around this time of year.
With the Steelers, Fields will have the chance to experience what he missed out on when playing for the Bears: playing behind a strong starter in the spring and learning how the position is played at the NFL level. According to Farabaugh, Fields is thrilled with his current role and is aware that he will eventually have the opportunity to “compete” for the starting job:
“We’ll give Justin a chance to compete, and we’ll let those guys work things out among themselves. However, I felt it was appropriate to outline it for when we first begin. Russell is in the lead, and his corpus of work seems to support that. According to what I’ve spoken with Justin, he is eager to collaborate with Russell and pick up some of the seasoned pro’s tips.
Regarding Fields and Wilson’s relationship during OTAs, Tomlin’s statement is similar to what he told Kenny Pickett about his strategy. In OTAs and training camp, Wilson will receive the majority of the quarterback reps, but Fields will have an opportunity to fight for the position.
Fields has a fifth-year option that the Steelers are unlikely to take up because doing so would cost them $25 million the following season. However, Fields wasn’t signed by the Steelers to serve as a backup this season. In order for him to lead the Steelers in next seasons, they want him to master the position.
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