Is Tomlin To Blame for Steelers Losing Fields?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost both of their starting quarterbacks to the open market, and as Russell Wilson mulls over his options, it is increasingly likely that neither returns.

Early in free agency, Justin Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets. Before that, he started for the Steelers in Week 1 and hit the ground running.

Pittsburgh went 4-2 with Fields under center, but promises made to Wilson and the opportunity for head coach Mike Tomlin to get a look at a second option before it became necessary to turn to him sent Fields to the bench. Wilson ran with the opportunity, winning six of his first seven games.

Wilson’s struggles – and a minor Fields injury – weren’t enough for a switch back to the 2021 first-round pick, sentencing him to free agency in search of playing time. Insider Jeremy Fowler revealed that may have been Fields’ key to signing with the Jets over the Steelers.

“Last week or a week and a half ago, they put together an offer for Justin Fields that I was told was very competitive with what the Jets offered him, which was close to two years, $40 million with $30 million guaranteed,” Fowler said. “Something went off where he chose the Jets, and he must’ve felt the love more from the Jets than he did the Steelers, who essentially benched him last year for Russell Wilson.”

Fields was better by expected points added per play and success rate but worse by completion percentage over expected, perhaps explained by the more fragile offense Pittsburgh operated with Fields under center and the modest success he found. Fields, for most teams, would have kept his job, but being “benched” likely cost him money.

New York is giving Fields an undisputed starting job, and on a two-year deal, it’s a contract that makes sense for both teams. If the Jets hit big with Fields, they have a second year without a massive cap hit and more time to make a decision about an extension. In the more likely outcome in which he’s fine, Fields gets fringe-starter money for a second season.

The Steelers, meanwhile, are better suited for a one-year deal, whether it be to Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, or another veteran looking for an opportunity to start.

Pittsburgh may have been hesitant to choose Fields over other free agency options, while New York prioritized him. His blend of upside, recent success, and a fresh start with the Jets – undergoing an overhaul themselves – made him a starter. Whether it be a result of their mid-season benching or their approach to free agency, the Steelers have left themselves without a quarterback, festering pessimism as free agency continues.