Mike Tomlin, the head coach of Pittsburgh, will speak. Omar Khan, general manager, will speak. The owners of the Steelers will
probably speak too.
However, the cash will cry out.
The Steelers supporters should be aware of this as Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation develops. The team’s long-term goals will be
made clear at the negotiation table, regardless of who is currently receiving the public endorsement as the undisputed starter—Russell
Wilson, so far.
Either Wilson or Justin Fields will receive a contract extension that, barring a complete breakdown, will have greater impact than
anything publicly stated about the competition in the upcoming days and weeks. Only Fields now has a deadline that actually requires
making a decision in advance. In particular, a
Although Fields’ fifth-year option qualifies for a $25.66 million payoff due to playing-time standards he fulfilled as a starter for the
Chicago Bears, the premium for that extra season of control will undoubtedly be high. However, Fields would face a far worse
franchise tag; the projected 2025 quarterback tag is now estimated to be worth $42 million. Fields would require a two-season
commitment totaling more than $28.8 million from the Steelers if they were to exercise Fields’ option. With that number, it would
appear that he is expected to start the following season, which would return Wilson to the free agency pool after his current one-year
contract expires.
Because of this, the Steelers will have to quickly reveal how much they think Fields has the potential to be a starter in the future.
Presumably, Wilson will be solidified as the team’s starter coming into training camp if the Steelers decide not to take that option.
Essentially, Fields would be evaluated against Wilson in a genuine competition rather than as a standard supporting backup, meaning
he would have to do something to lose the job.
Why it appears doubtful that the Steelers would select Justin Fields’ option
Three variables make it unlikely that the Steelers will select the Fields option from the outside looking in. First off, it’s a high price for
a player whose Bears trade interest was, at best, tepid, and who was also seen by trade partners as a backup player for their teams.
Fields’ trade market suggested that NFL teams perceive him as a backup, so it makes sense that even if he sits on the Steelers’ bench
for the whole 2024 season, that perception will persist.
The other element? If Wilson exercises his option, the Steelers would only have given him a one-year contract, leaving him in a
difficult situation as his expected backup has two years of guaranteed income and the team’s strong financial indication that he is the
team’s future quarterback. You don’t want to invite somebody like that into a quarterback room.
The fact that the Steelers won’t have worked with Fields much on the field before the May 2 deadline to activate his fifth-year option is
the third factor. Without taking a thorough look at Fields’ fit in the scheme and locker room, tying themselves to an additional $25.66
in guaranteed money in 2025 is a big dice throw.
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