The NFL schedule release is one of the more interesting dates on the calendar every offseason. Some fans couldn't care less about when exactly their favorite team plays whichever opponent. Others think it could make or break the season. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they would point to last year's brutal stretch to end the season as proof that it can matter.
This season, the Steelers' schedule is more about narratives. Their season opener, for example, is intriguing for a clear reason. New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was Pittsburgh's starting QB for the first six games last season, and now he will lead the Jets against his former team in Week 1.
Things ended poorly between Fields and the Steelers, thanks to the decision to bench him for Russell Wilson despite a 4-2 record. The NFL is giving both sides the chance to see who should be having regrets about how things played out.
Pittsburgh Steelers' can make Justin Fields quickly regret his departure from the team
The Steelers expressed interest in a new deal for Fields after the 2024 season, even after his benching. He clearly still had fans within the organization, but the damage was already done.
The Jets ultimately offered the former first-round pick more money and a real chance to be the answer at QB. With the release of Aaron Rodgers, New York desperately needed more youth and talent at the position.
Fields offers plenty of both, and he is a prime candidate to be the next Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold and resurrect his career.
Still, he has struggled to be a consistent passer at the NFL level. He has just 45 touchdown passes in 50 career games, most of which have been starts. He has also struggled with turnovers, with a combined 75 fumbles and interceptions since entering the league.
The Steelers forced the most turnovers in the NFL in 2024, so their Week 1 meeting could be ugly for Fields and the Jets. If Pittsburgh fails to come away with a big road victory, however, fans could be quick to ridicule them for letting Fields out the door.