Steelers fans are confused about the re-signing of Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have a few questions to debate as they limp into another offseason. Annual speculation about Mike Tomlin’s job security has dwindled to a buzz, and many fans are preparing to see him sidelined for at least another year. The focus shifts to roster matters, namely the quarterback situation.

And Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were set to enter free agency, prompting Steelers sign former Miami Dolphins signal caller Skylar Thompson on Tuesday. Unless he’s willing to give up a huge future asset to trade in the NFL Draft, the team will likely look for another short-term solution at the position. With Tomlin expected to stay in Pittsburgh from now on, it might make sense to go with KB who already knows his way around the franchise.

Fighting to find an edge in the mid-rounds may not be worth the risk for the Steelers brass, especially since they already have a young and athletic individual on their roster. Justin Fields could earn himself another shot at becoming a viable NFL starting quarterback. The 25-year-old, as many know, has plenty of vocal supporters.

People are making an initial KB case for Justin Fields

“The Steelers should give Justin Fields an undisputed full season as the starter and let him control his own destiny,” @DinkleBurghh posted Ks. “A season’s winning streak means nothing.” We’re not winning playoff games. Let Justin have a full season, he either sinks…or swims. Either we have a KB, or we’ll pick high enough to get it.”

It’s a compelling case. Pittsburgh has been stuck in the same tired pattern for several seasons now. The team is good enough to win the AFC Wild Card slot, but fails to compete with the real contenders. Simply put, the Steelers are in no man’s land. They don’t lose enough to warrant a full rebuild. However, stopgap KBs don’t get the job done either. Throwing Fields into a now-or-never campaign can offer the fanbase the clarity it craves.

Ideally, the plan would be a win-win. Of course, it’s obviously better if Fields breaks out and allows the team to skip a long development schedule. Again, man has his believers. They just want him to get a fair chance at success.

“If the Steelers re-sign Justin Fields, please don’t hold him back with a play call and just see what he can do.” @matthevluciov92 posted. Others are even more confident about the former Ohio State star.

“I think the Steelers would be fine with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback,” @Blitz_Burgh thinks so. “They have to build around him.” Get a legitimate offensive line coordinator. Draft of young playmakers (VR and RB). Figure out a way to plan and open up your offense. Draft a young CB and put him at Porter. Move Broderick Jones to Left Tackle. Put Troy Fautanu in the right move. That would be a good start.”

Other Steelers fans have their doubts

Pittsburgh had a 4-2 record with Fields under center before moving on to Russell Wilson. The two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year threw for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns while completing 65.8 percent of his passes and throwing just one interception. During the season, Fields rushed for another 289 yards and five scores. He showed more poise in the Steel City than he did with the beleaguered Chicago Bears, leading some to think a breakout is actually a plausible scenario.

However, not everyone is convinced. Many fans still struggle with the 2021 first-rounder’s decision-making and pocket reaction time.

“Please, I hope {he begins} that you can finally realize how bad he is,” remarked @gutileonardo. “He was 3 years old in Chicago,” @SpoiledRotten79 commented. “It’s not like he sat on the bench his whole career.” Criticism is getting louder. “To think that he is the answer to our problems is a bad decision,” @Trevaiame said. “He’s not even in the top 20 KB.”

While the topic of starting Justin Fields is divisive, most fans should agree that the Steelers’ options are limited. The 2019 second-team All-American offers both intrigue and concern through his sample size of three-plus seasons, but is a realistic candidate to land a job in training camp this summer.

Regardless of who the franchise’s KB is in September, the organization must implement the necessary changes to optimize his prospects for success. And after how the 2024-25 campaign endedthere’s a lot of work to be done beyond just addressing the status of Fields’ contract.