The Pittsburgh Steelers made several significant additions to their roster during the 2024 offseason, with one of the more surprising moves bringing Justin Fields to Pittsburgh. Fields only cost the Steelers a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick that could become a 2025 fourth-round selection, depending on playing time. According to recent reports, the Steelers are considering ways to use Fields on special teams with the new NFL kickoff rules allowing for more creativity. Not everyone is intrigued by this, with some in the media believing this doesn't bode well for Fields and his growth.
Fields is coming off three seasons with the Bears that didn't end the way either side expected. In Pittsburgh, Fields will enter the 2024 training camp as the backup to Russell Wilson, which could explain the reported interest in using Fields in a special teams role. On the "CHGO Sports" podcast Thursday, the subject of Fields returning kicks was brought up, and Gregg Braggs Jr. sees this as a negative for Fields all around.
"At this point, I honestly just feel bad for Justin. Like, to even have a report out there where that's being, you know, considered by his coaching staff on the record — on a podcast... I just think it just speaks to the — my whole point of, this league doesn't know how to use a quarterback like Justin Fields."
This isn't the first time since Pittsburgh acquired Fields that reports have pondered the different ways the Steelers could use the former first-round draft pick. Mike Florio of NBC was curious if the Steelers would bring a Kordell Stewart-like package into the mix for Fields. Even with Wilson starting the 2024 camp under center, Fields is still seen as a dynamic, potential talent, which leads to the rumors and questions on how Pittsburgh will end up using him.
Fields rushed for more than 2,000 yards during his time in Chicago, consistently putting his athletic talent on display. While the rushing statistics didn't end up keeping him with the Bears, it leaves the Steelers with the enviable issue of figuring out how to best use all of Fields' abilities. Braggs Jr. spoke more on the subject of Fields and the kick returner report, saying that it represents a large issue within the league.
"To me, I think it is a knock against the coaches... It just shows to me that coaches don't want to adjust to a player like Justin and figure out how they can get the most out of him as a quarterback...They don't want to try and find those strengths."
Mike Tomlin has made a career out of navigating difficult situations and turning them into some kind of success. Fields may not be seen as the starting quarterback at the moment, and he might not be a kick returner, but the Steelers will certainly find a way to bring out the best in him. With Wilson and Fields, though, the Steelers have already shown how dedicated they are to rebuilding the roster for the moment and the future. If Fields can show patience and learn along the way, this could prove successful for Wilson, Fields and the Steelers.
Steelers ready for competition
Considering how close the Steelers were to entering their 2024 training camp with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph as their quarterback choices, the position has already gotten a major upgrade. Wilson brings Super Bowl experience and over a decade of NFL football to the table, and Fields is eager to put the past behind him and start fresh. Both quarterbacks want to prove that they are better than the years before, and the Steelers will give them every opportunity to do so.
With the Denver Broncos, Wilson was the savior and expected to carry it all, the same as when Fields was with the Bears. In Pittsburgh, though, the brunt of the pressure falls to the defense, who is more than happy to shoulder the weight. With a bruising rushing attack spearheaded by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, all behind a bigger, stronger offensive line, whoever is under center will be set up well. Along with Arthur Smith, the Steelers' new offensive coordinator, there will be plenty to work with.
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