Total Pro Sports
Justin Fields has reportedly informed the Pittsburgh Steelers of his conditions for returning to the team following his first season with them on the back of a trade from the Chicago Bears in 2024.
The Steelers have been linked with a move for Aaron Rodgers, with the New York Jets moving on from him, while Trevor Lawrence’s name has also come up in rumors. However, Fields is thought to be the likeliest option as he prepares for free agency.
The team is also understood to view him as a starter, as he played very well before Russell Wilson took over last season.
Fields is also open to returning next season but has one condition: he wants to be assured of the starting job.
That is according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who noted that the QB wants a “clear path to be the guy” for an entire season, given that he didn’t have the luxury in 2024.
“This one’s complicated because I do know there’s some sentiment in the building for bringing back Justin Fields,” Fowler said on SportsCenter this week (H/T Sports illustrated). “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.”
While the Steelers clearly thought they could get plenty out of Fields, propping him up as “the guy” simply based on his demands might be too much. That Wilson also wants to return could make things complicated.
The veteran QB was thrust into the starting role last term after recovering from a calf injury and made an impression straight away. However, the Steelers endured a late-season slide that saw him finish 6-5 as the starter, as they lost their last four regular season games before exiting the playoffs in the first round.
If Fields wants to be the undisputed starter, he will have to compete for it. Head coach Mike Tomlin is unlikely to offer assurances otherwise.
