Mike Tomlin shares thoughts on getting to work with Justin Fields
Most people expected Justin Fields to be on a different NFL team this offseason after the Chicago Bears acquired the No. 1 overall pick of the upcoming NFL Draft and general manager Ryan Poles hinted at a potential trade in February. But most did not expect that new team to be the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh acquired veteran quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason on an affordable one-year, $1.2 million deal after the Denver Broncos released him. But less than a week later the Steelers also made a trade for Fields in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick that converts to a fourth-round selection if Fields plays 51% of snaps this season.
The Steelers’ quarterback room transformed quickly in March, and recently head coach Mike Tomlin spoke about what he saw in Fields that makes him believe that the best football may still be ahead of the former first-round selection.
“Oh my gosh man, I mean he oozes talent and potential,” Tomlin said. “He’s worn the responsibility of being a franchise quarterback, but still gets an opportunity to come into a community-like situation and learn from a guy that’s been doing it for over a decade. Man, there’s a lot of meat left on that bone and I’m just excited about working to be a part of extracting.”
Fields spent the first three seasons of his career in Chicago, throwing for 6,674 yards, rushing for 2,220 yards, and scoring 54 total touchdowns in a stretch where the Bears had a disappointing 16-35 record. Showing multiple flashes of being a high-potential, dual-threat quarterback, but not able to catch his stride and sustain success for the Bears.
Multiple reports have suggested that Fields will spend the season as Pittsburgh’s backup quarterback behind Wilson where he can develop around a 12-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion. But Tomlin revealed that’s not necessarily the case.
“No, we’re not resistant to competition, but as I’ve mentioned several times of late, I just think it’s appropriate to establish positioning as we get into this thing. And the term that I’ve used is Russell has pole position,” Tomlin said.
“And why do I use that term? Because during this time where we are not formally working, I just think it’s beneficial. His experience in the National Football League, his process has been honed and perfected,” Tomlin said about Wilson. “Talking about over a 12-month calendar, it’s not only good for him, it’s good for teams, it’s good for receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc. All the things that people really committed to winning do this time of the year, Russell has those resources, that structure. And so that’s why I say he has pole position.”
Both Wilson and Fields are looking for fresh starts in their respective NFL careers. But given Wilson’s experience and pedigree, it’s clear that he’ll start the offseason as Pittsburgh’s QB1 until competition truly heats up during training camp. All eyes will be on the Steel City in what could be one of the most highly anticipated quarterback battles of the upcoming season.
“It just creates a synergy that I think is good for this time of year. When it’s time to compete and we get in training camp-like settings and we’re going to pre-season stadiums and so forth, obviously Justin will be given an opportunity to show his capabilities,” Tomlin concluded.