Steelers reportedly not expected to pick up fifth year option on recently acquired QB Justin Fields

While the Pittsburgh Steelers QB room is going to look entirely different in 2024, how long Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are on the team is up to how well they play.  With both of them now headed for one year deals, it’s going to be a case of winner take all in terms of […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Nov 8, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While the Pittsburgh Steelers QB room is going to look entirely different in 2024, how long Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are on the team is up to how well they play. 

With both of them now headed for one year deals, it’s going to be a case of winner take all in terms of starter and long term contract. 

That’s especially true when analyzing the latest report from Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Steelers not expected to pick up Fields’ fifth year option 

“Justin Fields, of course, now he’s in the final year of his contract. The Steelers are not going to pick up his option. They’re not expected to pick up his option,” Dulac said on the Rich Eisen Show Monday. “I don’t think there’s anything, I’m assuming, to preclude them from redoing his contract and maybe making it a two-year, three-year deal.”

With the Steelers unwilling to front the bill for Fields at over $25 million (the cost of a first round picks fifth year option) it sets up training camp and preseason to be the more anticipated in recent Steelers history. 

Pittsburgh can say Wilson is the starter all they want. But when the pads come on in Latrobe come late July, the best QB will win the starting job. 

And while Fields and Wilson may be at different stages of their career, both carry massive chips on their shoulder and will have to prove they can still play in the league, with a shot at long-term stability and title of starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers on the line.