The Steelers’ decision to refuse quarterback Justin Fields’ fifth-year option makes sense.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers are unlikely to exercise their fifth-year option on quarterback Justin Fields, whom they acquired from the Bears last month for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. The revelation may surprise some, given Pittsburgh does not have a quarterback under contract beyond the 2024 season, but here are three reasons why the team should decline it.
1. It is excessively pricey.
Fields’ fifth-year option is anticipated to be worth approximately $25.66 million, according to Over The Cap. That is simply too much money for a player who has yet to show he can be a franchise quarterback.
The No. 11 overall choice in the 2021 NFL Draft must first demonstrate his ability to realize his full potential before earning such a large sum of money. However, head coach Mike Tomlin appears to feel he can help Fields grow into just that. “Oh my god, man, he oozes talent and potential,” Tomlin told journalists. “There’s a lot of meat left on that bone and I’m excited about working on extracting it.”
2. A “Love”-like extension may be in play.
If the Steelers do not want to risk losing Fields after just one season, they may decide to extend his contract before the season begins.
Last offseason, the NFL witnessed a similar scenario involving the Packers and quarterback Jordan Love. Instead of exercising his fifth-year option, Green Bay extended Love’s deal for one year with incentives worth up to $22.5 million. It would make a lot of sense for Pittsburgh to do something similar with Fields for the 2025 season, given he is unlikely to play much this year, unless Russell Wilson is hurt or performs poorly.
3. It could be time for a prove-it year.
The Steelers may also decide to see what they have in Fields before investing further.
Fields has demonstrated his potential, throwing for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns in the last two seasons. However, his 10-28 record as a starter shows that he needs to learn to play more consistently. Fortunately for Fields, he is only 25 and will have the opportunity to do so behind Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, a 12-year veteran. Only time will tell how much Fields will play this season, but he must seize any opportunities he gets in what may be a make-or-break year in Pittsburg.