Things were seemingly going well for Justin Fields in 2024. The Steelers were 4-2 and in first place in the AFC North. Overall, through six games, he threw for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He also had five rushing scores.
That wasn't good enough, however. Mike Tomlin inserted veteran Russell Wilson into the starting lineup in Week 7. And that was it. Justin Fields did not start another game in 2024.
Tomlin thought Wilson gave the Steelers the best chance to compete for a Super Bowl. That obviously didn't come to fruition, as the Steelers were once again one-and-done in playoffs.
Former Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart thinks the Steelers should run it back with Fields. He was impressed by what he displayed during his time as the starter last season.
"I'm a Justin Fields fan. Let's be transparent. just the work he did, the work that he put in was second to none. When it came to getting first downs, being to ad-lib, if you will," Stewart said on ESPN Radio's Unsportsmanlike .
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields at practice on Nov. 26, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Stewart would be fine if the Steelers re-signed Wilson. He likes both quarterbacks, but Fields just brings a different dimension to the offense.
"The organization is in a great position because it's cost effective for both quarterbacks, Justin Fields as well as Russell Wilson," Stewart said. " And they're gonna have to make a decision. Either quarterback is great, for me. But there's something about 2 for me, that really touches me, to say that the game today is not just about able to be effective from an efficient standpoint of throwing the ball."
Fields reportedly has one demand if he's going to re-sign with Pittsburgh , and that's a realistic shot to start. That wasn't the case last season when Russell Wilson was in pole position to start and eventually replaced Fields in Week 7 after he recovered from his calf injury.
If the Steelers bring in a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford , Fields most likely will move on from Pittsburgh.
"This one's complicated because I do know there's some sentiment in the building for bringing back Justin Fields," Jeremy Fowler of ESPN said on SportsCenter. "Both sides, Fields and the Steelers, are certainly open to a potential reunion. Fields wants a realistic shot to start. He wants a clear path to be the guy for a full season, which he was not last year."
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