In what was one of the more unique storylines of the entire NFL season, both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets faced off in week one. The unique aspect of the game was centered around the quarterbacks.
Both teams had decided to move on from their respective quarterbacks, and both of those quarterbacks found new homes with the opposite franchise.
Justin Fields was a quick addition for the Jets in the offseason, signing shortly after free agency opened up. Aaron Rodgers lingered for most of the offseason and through the early summer before agreeing to sign with the Steelers.
While Rodgers got the better of Fields and the Jets in week one, you can’t help but notice just how well the former Ohio State quarterback played. He tallied over 250 total yards on the day and three total touchdowns.
Most importantly, he looked composed in the pocket and commanded the Jets' offense. For a Steelers team still in need of a long-term answer at quarterback, they may have just watched a potential franchise option walk out the door.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have made a $20 million dollar mistake with Justin Fields
I get it, Rodger outdueled Fields in week one, but if you look at the tape, it tells a different story.
Rodgers should be praised for his efforts, but he also had a few errant passes that could have gone the other way. While his stats look gaudy, Fields had the cleaner day.
Add in his youth and rare athleticism, and there is no question who you should want at the helm for the foreseeable future. Rodgers is in his swan song; Fields is entering his prime.
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It isn’t like the contract Fields got is vastly different. He is only getting paid $20 million a season, relative chump change for a starting quarterback (high-end backups get paid over $10 million a season).
Pittsburgh had already had success with Fields at the helm. Heck, fans were in an uproar after the team turned to Russell Wilson. While Fields handled the demotion in stride, one has to wonder if that damaged his relationship en route to finding a new team this offseason.
While Fields got more in guarantees that the Steelers typically give out, quarterbacks are typically treated differently when given contracts. In short, they could have stuck to their usual rules and matched the offer the Jets gave him.
If that was the reason he signed elsewhere, then shame on the Steelers.
He also wouldn’t have stopped you from finding your franchise guy if Fields proved not to be that guy. His deal is for only two years, and while it would be hard to get out of it next season, you could easily roster him and a rookie.
With Rodgers, you almost feel like you have to draft someone. That is the best way of landing a franchise option, but with so many other needs, it will be easier said than done.
After the exciting duel in week one, you have to wonder what the Steelers were thinking by letting Fields walk. Sure, Pittsburgh won the battle in week one, but the Jets may have won the war by landing Fields at the rate they got him.