Justin Fields won't be returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. Before the start of free agency, we learned the New York Jets were in the mix for the polarizing quarterback. Now the Jets have officially pulled the trigger on a Fields deal in free agency.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Fields and the Jets have agreed to a two-year deal worth $40 million with $40 million guaranteed.
Just like that, a strong candidate for the starting quarterback job in Pittsburgh is off the market... and the Pittsburgh Steelers can point the finger directly at head coach Mike Tomlin.
Mike Tomlin to blame for Pittsburgh Steelers missing out on Justin Fields signing in free agency
With a shortage of respectable options on the free agent market, Justin Fields was one of the best of the group. Still just 26 years old and with rare tools and arm talent, Fields was itching for a chance to prove himself. Unfortunately, Tomlin robbed Fields of that chance.
After a Week 6 win over the Raiders, the Steelers head coach pulled the plug on Fields and arrogantly went with Russell Wilson. This came after Fields had combined for 10 touchdowns and one interception in the first six games while leading his team to a 4-2 record and executing Tomlin's ultra-conservative game plan.
Nobody can blame Fields for signing with the Jets, as new head coach Aaron Glenn already showcased more confidence in the young quarterback than Tomlin ever did. Now Pittsburgh finds itself in a predicament.
Pittsburgh Steelers have one clear option left at quarterback
With Sam Darnold also off the free agent market after signing a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, the Steelers are left with one of two underwhelming veteran options: Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers.
We already witnessed what a season with Wilson looked like, and no Steelers fan is about to sign up for that again. Over the final five games of 2024 (including the playoffs), Wilson's offense averaged 14 points per game in an 0-5 stretch to close the year.
Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers led the Jets to an embarrassing 5-12 record last year and he will turn 42 late in the 2024 season. Rodgers looks like the most likely option at this point after reports that the two sides have been in communication and were 'getting close' to a deal.
At this point, Rodgers is clearly the right choice. The uncertainty of rolling with Rodgers is much better than attempting to run it back with Wilson, who is coming off a pitiful five-game showing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers backed themselves into a corner at quarterback. After burning bridges with Justin Fields, Mike Tomlin deserves criticism if the Steelers settle for less at quarterback in 2025.