The Pittsburgh Steelers showcased their savvy business acumen this offseason with the acquisitions of nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos and Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. While securing Wilson required parting ways with Kenny Pickett, obtaining Fields proved to be a coup for the team, bolstering their quarterback depth significantly.
The Steelers managed to secure the former Bears’ vet starter on a cost-effective contract despite interest from other teams.
Which NFL teams wanted Justin Fields?
According to ESPN‘s Brooke Pryor, the Pittsburgh Steelers were not the only team eyeing Fields to bolster their roster. Three other teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons, were also in the mix, eager to secure the services of the promising quarterback.
“The Steelers were one of four teams on Fields’ radar prior to the start of free agency, along with the Vikings, Raiders and Falcons, a source familiar with Fields’ thinking said.”
Fields’ transition from Ohio State to the Chicago Bears was accompanied by high expectations and excitement. While his tenure with the Bears didn’t yield the desired results, his talent and potential as a quarterback were undeniable. Even Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed satisfaction after Fields left the division for the Steelers.
Following Fields’ acquisition by the Steelers, the Falcons wasted no time in showcasing their business acumen by securing quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Vikings. Meanwhile, the Vikings pivoted to quarterback Sam Darnold, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers, as their new signal-caller.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders made a bold move with new head coach Antonio Pierce naming Aidan O’Connel as the team’s QB1 for the upcoming season.
How much will Justin Fields earn at Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired Justin Fields on a rookie-scale contract for the 2024 season. According to Spotrac, Fields is slated to earn a base salary of over $1.6 million for the upcoming season, along with a roster bonus of the same amount.
The deal sees the former Bears player join the Steel City in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft selection in 2025. With a cap hit exceeding $3.2 million, Fields represents a cost-effective solution for the Steelers as they deal with their salary cap constraints.
His arrival in Pittsburgh comes with added flexibility, thanks to the fifth-year option he carried from his tenure with the Chicago Bears. Although there was no discussion between him and the Bears regarding this option, it presents the Steelers with a potential decision to make, with a hefty price tag of $25.664 million looming.
With Fields still in the early stages of his career and incumbent starter Wilson on a one-year contract, the Steelers have the opportunity to groom Fields as their long-term quarterback. As they weigh their options, securing Fields beyond the 2024 season emerges as a prudent move for the Steelers, ensuring stability and continuity at the quarterback position for years to come.
With the May deadline fast approaching, the Steelers must act swiftly to solidify their plans for Fields and chart a course that aligns with their long-term goals.
