Steelers Had The Truth About Their Future Plans With Justin Fields Revealed: 'We Want You To Learn Under Russell Wilson'

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant headlines several times this offseason, beginning with their agreement to sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. Shortly thereafter, they traded away Kenny Pickett and traded for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. Remarkably, the Steelers managed to secure both quarterbacks without giving up significant assets.

Immediately following the trade for Fields, the Steelers announced that Wilson was the frontrunner to start. Head Coach Mike Tomlin also indicated that Fields would have an opportunity to compete for the starting position. While most observers expect Wilson to be the starter for the 2024 season, some pundits believe Fields could ultimately secure the top spot.

Adding further insight into the Steelers' long-term plans for Fields, ESPN's Brooke Pryor shared details during her appearance on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show on Tuesday. She disclosed the conversation the Steelers had with Fields just as they were finalizing the trade, shedding light on their intentions and expectations for him.

“The Steelers said to Justin Fields, ‘Hey, we’re going to trade for you. We don’t necessarily see you as a starter right now, but we want you to learn under Russell Wilson.’ Maybe not all of the habits and things that have not gone well for him recently, but they want him to learn how to be a pro, how to function in a franchise that is not just kind of helpless and constantly struggling to get out of its own way.”

Wilson, a nine-time NFL Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, has been an elite quarterback throughout most of his 12 seasons in the league. However, as Pryor noted, Wilson faced challenges in winning games during his tenure with the Denver Broncos, amidst rumors of his teammates being fed up with him.

Despite this, his impressive resume speaks volumes. The Steelers are optimistic that Fields can benefit from observing how Wilson conducts himself and approaches his work, providing a valuable learning experience for the younger quarterback.

“So I think that they are doing all of this very intentionally to eventually set up Justin Fields to take over if he shows them what they want to see on the field.”

At just 25 years old, Fields has faced challenges since entering the league. Over three seasons, he has thrown 40 touchdowns against 30 interceptions. Although sometimes struggling to read defenses, Fields is known for his strong arm and is one of the most dynamic running quarterbacks in the NFL. The Steelers see long-term value in Fields and are committed to his development. If Fields can develop as a passer he has an incredible amount of potential in the NFL.

Steelers Hope That Justin Fields Can Be The QB Of The Future

In Pittsburgh, Fields will experience less pressure than he did with the Bears, benefiting from a more established organization with a clear direction. Many pundits and experts continue to express confidence in his potential to succeed in the NFL. While Wilson is nearing the later stages of his career, the Steelers view him as the immediate solution and Fields as their future prospect.

The Steelers' quarterback dynamics are poised to be a central narrative in 2024. With Wilson aiming to overcome his recent struggles by returning to form under new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, the situation could become more intricate after the season.

There's a palpable excitement in Pittsburgh about their new quarterback duo. Wilson himself is enthusiastic about having Fields in the quarterback room, which adds an intriguing layer to the team’s dynamics. It will be interesting to observe how Fields' future unfolds in Pittsburgh and what he can learn from Wilson’s experience.