Last offseason may feel like a distant memory, but it was defined by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision at quarterback. Once again, the team finds itself in limbo at the most important position in football as Aaron Rodgers weighs his future. A year ago, the Steelers faced a choice between Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Rodgers, a saga that unfolded like a high-stakes drama.
Rodgers eventually joined the Steelers and delivered solid play despite his age. Justin Fields earned a lucrative contract with the New York Jets to become their starting quarterback, while Russell Wilson moved on to the New York Giants. However, both Fields and Wilson struggled in their new roles last season.
Each ultimately lost his starting job at different points, reinforcing the idea that the Steelers made the correct decision in moving on from both players.
Moving on from Wilson was a wise decision, but many within Steelers Nation still believe Fields could have been special in Pittsburgh. In reality, Fields played conservatively during his six-game stretch as a starter and ultimately received an inflated contract from the Jets. Now, the Kansas City Chiefs have a pending trade in place with the Jets to acquire Fields.
He is expected to serve as the backup to Patrick Mahomes, a move that would firmly position him as a full-time second-string quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear like geniuses after Justin Fields trade to the Kansas City Chiefs
Many were surprised when the trade bringing Fields to Pittsburgh first hit the newswire.
He was a former top pick of the Bears, and the Steelers had already signed Wilson to be their starter. The move offered a potential long-term option at quarterback and a possible reclamation project for the franchise. That plan, however, did not pan out. While Fields took care of the football during his time as a starter, Pittsburgh’s offense remained largely uninspiring.
After his departure from the Steel City, many within the Steelers fanbase were far from pleased. Some believed Fields could have continued developing with the team rather than turning to another aging quarterback in Rodgers. In hindsight, however, the decision appears justified. Fields was unable to hold onto his starting role in New York despite signing a sizable contract.
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His subsequent trade to Kansas City only further confirms that the Steelers made the right decision. Patrick Mahomes remains entrenched as the Chiefs’ starter despite his injury recovery, making Fields’ role a clear backup. The move required little investment from Kansas City, as the Chiefs are sending just a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 to acquire the former Steelers quarterback.
Fields’ career trajectory has been far from ideal, and this latest chapter may significantly diminish his chances of ever reclaiming a starting role in the league.
In hindsight, allowing Fields to leave in free agency last year was a tremendous decision by Omar Khan. Fields remains a frustrating player to evaluate, capable of making spectacular plays that impress while also committing costly mistakes that raise questions. Now set to join his fourth team in four seasons, his career path has become increasingly concerning.