3 Justin Fields Doomsday Areas That Will Make the Steelers Regret Starting Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers 4-0 after waiving Justin Fields in favor of Russell Wilson. A decision that was controversial at the time, but Mike Tomlin’s dedication to Russ was worth it no matter what. We all didn’t expect Wilson to come into this season, but he is executing Arthur Smith’s plan to an extremely high level.

Of course, there is a potential downside to attaching a wagon to Russ. For the Steelers, that shortcoming primarily has to do with what could have been with Fields. Although Wilson has been the best defensive player this season, he is ten years older. Based on the current situation, we can expect the Steelers to re-sign Wilson. This has short-term appeal, but what is the future of the QB position in Pittsburgh?

Fields at least provided a sense of legitimate long-term equality at the quarterback position. Now eligible for free agency, the 25-year-old will likely look for a more stable opportunity next spring. Several QB-needy teams will be interested in Fields with such a weak quarterback class heading into the 2025 class. NFL Draft. For all his struggles to date, Fields was 4-2 in Pittsburgh before hitting the pine. Toxicity eliminated Chicago Bears organization, Fields appears competent enough.

Before his demotion, he played efficient, if not overly explosive, football, offering the ability to play as a dual threat, which is a real asset in the OK’s back pocket. There just aren’t many defensive backs who can move as well as Fields. If Fields leaves as a free agent, the Steelers could regret their decision to bank on Wilson’s current contributions while sacrificing his colleague’s future.

Here are some particularly disastrous potential landing spots for Fields next offseason.

Last season was proof that Shane Steichen doesn’t need much to run a productive offense. Indianapolis Colts were in the midst of a postseason run with Gardner Minshew starting at center. Unfortunately, Indianapolis lacks competent defensive players in 2024. Anthony Richardson, who made 10 career starts, was briefly replaced by 39-year-old Joe Flacco. It was a mess.

Ideally, Richardson begins to establish himself as the clear QB of the future in Indianapolis. That’s exactly the investment the Colts made in the former No. 4 pick. However, if Richardson’s error-prone nature continues, there’s a good chance Steichen will ask the front office to provide a better alternative. Enter Fields, who can execute many of the same dual-threat packages as Richardson without committing the same number of unforced errors.

Honestly, Fields doesn’t have half the ability that Richardson has, but Richardson is too erratic in his decision-making for that to matter right now. Richardson still has plenty of time to improve, but Fields is just a couple years older and has recently found success as a starter. At the very least, he gives Indy some real QB competition in training camp, with the potential for Fields to become a viable leader for a Colts team heading into the postseason. The Steelers don’t want Fields in the playoffs.

Every quarterback looks better in Sean McVay’s offense, as proven by all the quarterbacks who have found success under McVay’s countless disciples across the league. Matthew Stafford’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is nearing retirement. Los Angeles Rams I’d like to stay competitive with Stafford for a couple more years, but that may not be realistic.

At this point, it’s time to lobby the league for a replacement. Stetson Bennett can’t handle it. Why not Fields, whose ability to handle dual threats could open up exciting new possibilities in McVay’s script? The Rams certainly don’t want to take a punt on a weak draft at the QB position, and McVay is not one to shy away from pursuing the postseason. Fields guarantees a certain level of immediate competence with untapped potential.

This is likely the best place to land Fields from a scheme and personnel standpoint. The Rams have been plagued by injuries all season, but a healthy Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are a great safety net for any quarterback. It’s not hard to imagine Fields going to Los Angeles, winning the starting job and performing at a high level for a competitive Rams team that recently appeared in the Super Bowl.

Los Angeles doesn’t pose an immediate threat to the Steelers in the NFC, but watching Fields thrive under optimal conditions could be a source of regret for Pittsburgh’s front office and coaching staff.

Cleveland Browns They are 2-8 this season behind consistently disastrous performances from QBs Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston. It’s a losing campaign for the Browns, but we’re not too far away from Cleveland being positioned as the best defense in the NFL. Kevin Stefanski (or whoever is the coach next season) has some work to do.

Watson’s contract is a big albatross around the Browns’ neck, but replacing him with the soon-to-be-available Fields is a defensible – perhaps even recommended – move. At some point, Cleveland simply needs to cut its losses. Watson is better suited as an expensive addition to the bench than as an active deterrent to the Browns’ competitive aspirations. Fields can step in and reinvigorate Cleveland’s offense with his dynamic running and generally error-free play.

It’s hard to imagine a more dire outcome from the Steelers’ perspective. If Fields goes and succeeds, that’s one thing. If he goes and actively torments Pittsburgh in its own division, it will be a tough win. Fields would certainly relish the opportunity to beat Russell Wilson twice in a season. The Browns are probably not as bad as their record suggests if they have good health and a nice quarterback. I’m just saying…