The Pittsburgh Steelers officially wrapped up their trade deal for Justin Fields, sending a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears. After a season of ups and downs, the trade value landed on the lower end of the conditional agreement, which could have escalated to a fourth-round pick if Fields had played more than 50% of the team’s offensive snaps.
Fields’ 2024 Contributions
Fields brought flashes of his trademark athleticism to Pittsburgh but saw limited action as the team pivoted to veteran Russell Wilson midseason.
- Stats Recap: Fields completed 106 of 161 passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. On the ground, he added 289 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability despite limited opportunities.
A Quarterback Dilemma
While Fields hinted at his desire to return to Pittsburgh, both he and Wilson are entering free agency.
“I want to be here,” Fields shared. “I’m kind of tired of learning a new offense every year. This will be my third in four years. Of course, I’d love to be back, but that’s all up to God at the end of the day.”
However, Wilson’s inconsistent play—culminating in 10 turnovers during his 11 games as the starter—has left the Steelers’ quarterback future murky.
Steelers’ Strategic Outlook
The decision to stick with Wilson throughout a disappointing four-game losing streak may now prompt the team to rethink its quarterback strategy. With both signal-callers on expiring contracts, the Steelers must decide whether to:
- Retain Fields or Wilson: Re-signing one (or both) provides continuity but comes with questions about ceiling and performance.
- Explore the Draft or Free Agency: With a high draft pick and a potentially enticing quarterback market, Pittsburgh could reset with a new face of the franchise.
Why the Sixth-Round Compensation Matters
The Steelers’ ability to hold onto their fourth-round pick reflects their strategic patience. By limiting Fields’ playing time after Week 6, Pittsburgh ensured they paid a lower price while still exploring Fields’ potential in limited snaps.
What’s Next?
With the offseason fast approaching, the Steelers face a pivotal decision. While Fields has expressed interest in staying, Pittsburgh could opt for a fresh start under center or retool around one of their current quarterbacks. Free agency and draft strategy will be critical as the team looks to bounce back after a lackluster season.
For now, Steelers fans are left to wonder: Is Justin Fields part of the long-term vision, or will Pittsburgh turn the page once again?
