We’re not sure what to believe when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ plans for quarterback Justin Fields heading into the 2024 NFL season.
Last month, we heard that the Steelers were going to experiment with utilizing Fields on special teams, but apparently, none of that was true.
Now, we’re hearing another update on Fields’ potential role next season.
During an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said that Pittsburgh may try to deploy Fields in goal-line situations.
“I’ve talked to multiple teams now who expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to get a little weird at the goal line with Justin Fields, maybe have a package or two for him ready to go where he can be a runner or a thrower out of the shotgun,” Fowler said (h/t Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report).
This definitely makes more sense than having Fields return kicks.
Fields is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in football, so using him in those types of packages could be very dangerous for opposing defenses.
It would also keep other teams off balance when it comes to defending the Steelers inside the 10.
What Is Justin Fields’ Future In Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh acquired Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason, but not before signing Russell Wilson.
Barring an injury or a dramatic turn of events in training camp or preseason, Wilson will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback heading into Week 1.
Pittsburgh may find creative ways to use Fields, but he will only get the chance to start under center if Wilson gets hurt or simply underperforms.
So, what exactly does the future hold for Fields in Steel City?
Well, the Steelers only signed Wilson to a one-year deal, so if things don’t really work out between Russ and Pittsburgh, Fields could step in as the No. 1 signal-caller as soon as 2025.
Of course, there is no guarantee the Steelers would immediately turn the reins over to Fields in that scenario, either.
The 25-year-old was selected by the Bears with the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons in Chicago, going just 10-28 as a starter.
Fields’ best year came in 2023, when he threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 61.4 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 86.3 in 13 starts (he missed four games due to a dislocated thumb). He also rushed for 657 yards and four scores.
Justin Fields has yet to prove he can be a consistent starting quarterback in the NFL. We’ll see if he gets the chance to do so in Pittsburgh.
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