Justin Fields says he doesn’t plan to sit on bench all year for Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both participated in their first practices as Steelers quartebacks Tuesday afternoon. But Fields definitely hasn’t conceded the starting job to his more experienced teammate.
Fields met with the local media before the first session of full OTAs.
“I’m definitely competing,” Fields told reporters. “Russ knows that. We’re competing against each other every day … with hopes of getting better. I don’t have the mindset of me sitting all year. I’m coming in here every day, giving it all I got. Pushing him to be his best and he’s pushing me to be my best each and every day.”
The Steelers revamped the quarterback depth chart this offseason. No quarterback from last season is still on the team.
Pittsburgh signed the 35-year-old Wilson as soon as the Broncos officially released him back in March. It was always presumed he’d be the starting quarterback since he has a Super Bowl trophy and nine Pro Bowls to his credit. Coach Mike Tomlin even conceded that Wilson is in the “pole position” to start the season opener.
But the Steelers also traded for Fields when the Bears focused in on selecting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick of the NFL Draft. The Bears selected Fields, the former Ohio State star, in the first round of the 2021 draft. He then started in Chicago for three years. While Fields struggled at times in the passing game, he may be the best running quarterback in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Steelers shipped Kenny Pickett, the starter the past two seasons, to the Eagles. They declined to re-sign Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky. Rudolph ended up with the Titans and Trubisky signed with the Bills.
Pittsburgh also added Kyle Allen and then signed John Rhys Plumlee as an undrafted free agent. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith certainly has new toys in the playbox.
This season could be described as a tryout for the Steelers future quarterback between Wilson and Fields. Each has only one year left on their respective contracts. It’s a cheap situation, given what’s happening with the rest of the QB salaries around the league. Wilson is playing for the NFL veteran minimum because the Broncos owe him about $39 million. Meanwhile, Fields is in year four of his rookie contract.
Fields said he met Wilson while he was still in college.
“We’ve known each other for a good bit now.” Fields said. “And the fact that I get to learn stuff from him, the things he has accomplished up to this point in his career has been great. So, just me learning the little details, how he’s so meticulous and detailed within every rep, every individual drill. It kind of makes me think like that’s what I should be doing each and every time. I’m glad to have him here.”