The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears during the NFL offseason. After signing Russell Wilson early in free agency, this decision came as a surprise. Kenny Pickett was also sent out of town to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Some believe the Steelers see Fields as a possible long-term quarterback. Allowing him to learn behind Wilson was a great option.
Now, there are questions about whether the Steelers should sign Fields to a contract extension right away. If they did that, they could sign him to a team-friendly contract while he develops.
Pittsburgh Steelers Urged to Make Major Move With Justin Fields.
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic spoke up about the matter, believing that the Steelers cannot afford to wait to grant Fields an extension. He expressed why he believes the team should extend him now.
“If the Steelers use 2024 to assess if he is the long-term answer at the position, they will lose all of their bargaining power by allowing him to enter free agency. The logical thing to do is extend him now at a lower cost to assure that he is on the roster in 2025 without jeopardizing the salary cap. The Packers accomplished that with Jordan Love, albeit before the fifth-year option date.”
Fields has the potential and talent to become the Pittsburgh Steelers’ franchise quarterback in the long run. If they can help him reach his full potential, he’ll stay in town for years to come.
Fields demonstrated significant potential during his 2023 season with the Bears. He completed 61.4 percent of his throw attempts, totaling 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Fields also tallied 657 yards and four scores on the run.
All Pittsburgh Steelers fans need to keep in mind that Fields put up that production behind one of the worst offensive lines in the entire NFL in Chicago.
Fields is only 25 years old, so he still has plenty of time to figure things out. Working with a quarterback with similar skills to Wilson will also benefit him. Extending him now and seeing what they have in the long run makes a lot of sense.
Expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to seriously consider a new contract for Fields. Waiting would merely increase the cost of what could eventually become their future. Taking a chance and offering him a new deal now makes the most sense.
