In keeping with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers aren’t anticipated to select up the fifth-year possibility on quarterback Justin Fields, whom they acquired final month from the Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round decide.
The information might come as a shock to some as Pittsburgh doesn’t have a quarterback below contract previous the 2024 season, however listed below are three explanation why it is smart for the crew to say no it.
1. It is too costly.
Fields’ fifth-year possibility is anticipated to be price about $25.66 million, per Over The Cap. That is merely an excessive amount of cash for a participant who has but to show he could be a franchise quarterback.
The No. 11 total decide within the 2021 NFL Draft should first show he can attain his full potential earlier than incomes that huge of a payday. Though, head coach Mike Tomlin appears to consider he may also help Fields turn into simply that.
“Oh my god, man, he oozes expertise and potential,” Tomlin informed reporters. “There’s a number of meat left on that bone and I am enthusiastic about engaged on extracting it.”
2. A “Love”-like extension might be in play.
If the Steelers do not need to threat shedding Fields after only one season, nevertheless, they may nonetheless determine to increase him earlier than the beginning of the season.
The NFL noticed an identical state of affairs play out final offseason between the Packers and QB Jordan Love. As an alternative of exercising his fifth-year possibility, Inexperienced Bay signed Like to an incentive-laden one-year contract extension price as much as $22.5 million.
It might make a number of sense for Pittsburgh to do one thing related with Fields for the 2025 season since he’s unlikely to see the sphere very a lot this 12 months, barring Russell Wilson getting injured or enjoying very poorly.
3. It may be time for a prove-it 12 months.
The Steelers may choose to see what they’ve in Fields earlier than investing additional..
Fields has flashed his upside, throwing for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns whereas additionally dashing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns over the previous two seasons. Nevertheless, his 10-28 report as a starter proves he must discover ways to play extra constantly.
Fortunately for Fields, he’s nonetheless solely 25 and could have a chance to do exactly that behind Tremendous Bowl-winning QB Russell Wilson, who’s accomplished it for 12 years.
Solely time will inform how a lot Fields will see the sphere this season, however he should reap the benefits of no matter alternatives he will get in what might be a prove-it 12 months in Pittsburgh.
