As the 2024 NFL season inches closer to its final stretch, the Chicago Bears are in the midst of a critical evaluation period for their quarterback position. With Justin Fields now in his third year, the question looms large: is he the future of the franchise, or is Chicago preparing for another shift at the most important position on the field?
Amidst this uncertainty, an intriguing voice has emerged: a respected Pittsburgh Steelers insider who believes that Justin Fields will be “greenlit” for a new start in 2025, but not in Chicago. According to this insider, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be the team that gives Fields a second chance at becoming a franchise quarterback. While this prediction is still speculative, it raises several important questions about Fields’ future and the potential fit between him and the Steelers’ organization.
Let’s break down why this move could make sense for both Fields and Pittsburgh and what it could mean for the teams involved.
### 1. **The Justin Fields Dilemma in Chicago**
Justin Fields entered the NFL in 2021 as one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in his class. His dual-threat ability, with a cannon of an arm and elite mobility, made him a perfect fit for the modern NFL. The Chicago Bears, who had been searching for their next franchise quarterback for decades, saw Fields as the answer to their prayers.
However, Fields’ time in Chicago has been marked by inconsistency, frustrating development curves, and questions about his fit within the team’s offensive system. Despite flashes of brilliance—such as his jaw-dropping runs and the occasional deep ball—Fields has struggled with consistency as a passer, and the Bears’ offense has often been anemic. While Fields has made strides in certain areas, particularly with his decision-making and ability to throw on the run, he has yet to prove that he can sustain success as a traditional pocket passer or lead the Bears to consistent victories.
The Bears’ front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, has signaled that they are not content with simply giving Fields more time. In 2023, Chicago had the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and traded it away, stockpiling assets while keeping the faith in Fields. However, the future remains unclear. The Bears have a loaded 2024 draft class, and many are predicting that they will use those resources to either draft a new quarterback or bring in a veteran signal-caller, especially if Fields does not show considerable improvement by the end of this season.
This is where the Steelers insider’s prediction comes into play. If the Bears decide to move on from Fields after the 2024 season, he will become one of the more intriguing quarterbacks on the trade market. And that’s where the Steelers might step in.
### 2. **Why the Steelers?**
The Pittsburgh Steelers, under head coach Mike Tomlin, are a franchise built on stability, discipline, and the development of homegrown talent. While the Steelers have had success with veteran quarterbacks in recent years, from Ben Roethlisberger to the steady play of Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, they have always valued the quarterback position as central to their long-term success.
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh’s current starting quarterback, is still a work in progress. After being drafted in the first round in 2022, Pickett showed flashes of promise but has also been inconsistent at times. Some analysts and insiders have expressed concerns about his ceiling and whether he can lead the Steelers to championship contention in the future.
As the Steelers enter the 2024 season with questions around Pickett’s development, Fields could present an intriguing option. While Pickett offers more stability as a traditional pocket passer, Fields’ dual-threat capabilities provide an entirely different dynamic. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs would diversify the Steelers’ offensive attack, creating mismatches for defenses and providing an extra dimension that could help elevate the entire team.
Additionally, the Steelers have a strong roster on both sides of the ball, with a solid defense, a growing offensive line, and playmakers like wide receiver George Pickens and running back Najee Harris. Fields, with his playmaking ability and potential for growth, could be the kind of quarterback who thrives in Pittsburgh’s system. By giving him the right coaching, resources, and weapons, the Steelers could potentially unlock his full potential, making him a valuable addition to their roster.
### 3. **The Case for Justin Fields in Pittsburgh**
If the Steelers were to pursue Justin Fields in 2025, it would represent a fascinating shift in their approach to the quarterback position. While Pickett may still have the inside track on the job, Fields offers an entirely different set of tools that could help the Steelers in several key areas.
#### **A Dual-Threat QB for a Modern Offense**
In today’s NFL, the value of a quarterback who can extend plays with his legs is immeasurable. While Fields has struggled at times with accuracy and decision-making in the pocket, his ability to make plays outside of it cannot be ignored. His speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability have already led to several jaw-dropping runs and long touchdowns. Under offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Pittsburgh has attempted to embrace a more creative and flexible offensive scheme, but having a quarterback who can break out of structure is often the key to unlocking explosive plays.
Fields’ dynamic running ability would add a whole new layer to the Steelers’ offense. Imagine a read-option game with Najee Harris and Fields; defenses would struggle to defend both players in space, and Fields could take advantage of broken plays to pick up yardage or deliver pinpoint throws on the move. The ability to both scramble and throw accurately on the run would give Pittsburgh’s offensive playbook greater flexibility, making the offense more difficult to predict and stop.
#### **A New Start with Strong Coaching**
One of the primary reasons Fields has struggled to reach his potential in Chicago is the lack of a stable, supportive environment. The Bears have cycled through coaches, offensive coordinators, and systems, making it difficult for Fields to settle in and develop rhythm. In Pittsburgh, however, Fields would be walking into a much more stable environment, with head coach Mike Tomlin at the helm and an experienced offensive staff that knows how to develop quarterbacks.
Under Tomlin’s leadership, the Steelers have a track record of maximizing player potential, even in situations where they weren’t the most talented on paper. Tomlin’s coaching could be exactly what Fields needs to refine his mechanics and improve his decision-making. Having a coach with Tomlin’s leadership and track record of success could be the catalyst for Fields’ growth, helping him evolve into a more well-rounded quarterback.
### 4. **What Does This Mean for Kenny Pickett?**
If the Steelers did acquire Fields, it would naturally raise questions about the future of Kenny Pickett. At this point, it’s too early to declare Pickett’s future in Pittsburgh as uncertain, but it’s clear that he hasn’t yet solidified his place as the franchise quarterback. While Fields may not be viewed as a definitive upgrade at this point, his potential for growth could make him a more exciting option long-term.
In an ideal scenario, Pickett and Fields would battle for the starting job, pushing each other to improve. However, the Steelers would likely be more patient with Fields, given his raw talent and upside. If Fields could develop as a pocket passer, while maintaining his playmaking ability, he could be the future leader the Steelers need to compete in a loaded AFC North.
### 5. **Conclusion**
The possibility of Justin Fields being greenlit for 2025 by the Pittsburgh Steelers is certainly an intriguing one. Fields has shown moments of brilliance, but he has yet to put it all together in Chicago. With the Steelers looking for ways to build their offense for the future, the dual-threat quarterback offers a tantalizing solution. While the Steelers are committed to Kenny Pickett for now, Fields’ arrival could provide a spark that could elevate Pittsburgh’s offense to new heights.
As the 2024 season progresses, the scenario of Fields finding a new home in Pittsburgh might move from speculation to reality, especially if his development in Chicago stalls. For the Steelers, the opportunity to capitalize on a young quarterback with so much potential could be the move that shapes the team’s future for years to come. Whether or not Fields gets greenlit for 2025 remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a possibility that could reshape the Steelers’ trajectory in the near future.
