A Gigantic Setback: “I’m Leaving,” Steelers QB Justin Fields Announces Exit After Demotion to Backup Behind Russell Wilson.
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has formally announced his decision to leave the team. Fields’ exit comes on the heels of the team’s controversial decision to name veteran quarterback Russell Wilson as the starter for the 2024 season, relegating Fields to QB2. The move has left Fields frustrated and feeling sidelined after being seen as a potential long-term starter for the franchise.
The Steelers’ offseason acquisition of Russell Wilson raised eyebrows around the league. Wilson, an experienced and accomplished quarterback, was brought in after a rocky tenure in Denver with the hopes of revitalizing his career. However, the arrival of Wilson inevitably sparked a heated competition between him and Justin Fields, who had joined the Steelers with the belief that he could be the team’s franchise quarterback.
After a highly competitive training camp and preseason, head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Wilson would start under center, citing his leadership, experience, and ability to command the offense. Fields, who had worked tirelessly to earn the starting role, was demoted to QB2. This decision did not sit well with the 25-year-old quarterback.
“I’m leaving,” Fields stated firmly during a press conference on Wednesday. “I came here to be the starter, to lead this team, and it’s clear that’s not going to happen. It’s a setback, but I need to move on and find a place where I’m valued.”
Fields, who was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2021, joined the Steelers with hopes of a fresh start and a chance to prove his worth in a new system. He showed promise, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities and flashes of brilliance both in practice and in games. However, inconsistencies in his play — combined with the Steelers’ desire for a veteran presence — led to the team’s decision to make Wilson the starter.
“Justin’s a talented player, and we were excited to have him in our system,” Coach Tomlin said in a brief statement. “But at the end of the day, we believe Russell gives us the best chance to win right now. It’s always a tough call, but we wish Justin the best in his next chapter.”
For Fields, the decision marks a significant setback in his career. Yet, despite the disappointment, he remains confident in his abilities and determined to find a new team that will allow him to showcase his skills as a starting quarterback.
“I’ve learned a lot during my time here, but I need to be somewhere that believes in me as the guy,” Fields remarked, clearly frustrated but resolute. “This isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.”
The decision to part ways with Fields leaves a significant gap in the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart, and while Russell Wilson may be the starter for now, the team will likely be in search of a long-term solution at the position.
With Justin Fields now on the open market, several teams in need of a dynamic young quarterback will likely take notice. His athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make plays with his legs make him a highly sought-after talent, even after this setback.
As for the Steelers, the team hopes that Russell Wilson can lead them deep into the playoffs, but they are also aware that Fields’ departure will be closely scrutinized. Time will tell if Pittsburgh made the right call, but for now, Fields is focused on finding a new opportunity and proving that he has what it takes to lead a team in the NFL.
In what has been a tumultuous offseason for the Steelers, Fields’ exit adds another layer of drama, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see what happens next.