Justin Fields is a Steeler
If you listen to Pardon My Take, you’ll get an idea of just how badly Bears fans wanted to move on from Justin Fields. With the #1 pick in this years draft, they’d have been crazy not to capitalize on their young QB who has shown flashes of stardom.
From the start, I wanted Fields in Pittsburgh. I mean, he’s slightly younger than Kenny Pickett and in my opinion has already proven much more. That being said, we recently learned of the Pickett trade to Philly. That, coupled with the signing of Russell Wilson had me convinced that we were just going into an “all-in” type of year. Either we succeed with what’s left of Russ, or go 9-8 (typical Tomlin fashion) and have a mid 20’s pick next year.
This news was the first thing I saw upon waking up this morning. My best friend, a (pitying) Chiefs fan, immediately shared the news. To me, that’s one depiction of how things in the Pittsburgh QB room have been since the departure of Big Ben. Even other fanbases can clearly see, Kenny was not the guy.
One of the many things I think Fields brings to the table is his mobility. We all know about his impact there, but you can’t understate how much more he’ll be able to put it to use behind a decent (and developing) O-line in Pittsburgh. If this had happened a year ago, I would’ve been the first to say that Ohio State quarterbacks don’t pan out. This is still probably 95% true, but CJ Stroud (yes, a younger QB) has given that school another chance in my mind.
As I mentioned in my Kenny Pickett trade article, the added bonus of a Super Bowl winning QB being beside a young guy in the locker room is astronomical. I read shortly after this trade that Fields already has the job, and won’t be competing. If you ask me, Russ knew this was a possibility upon his signing, and I’d guess that he isn’t worried as long as his Broncos paychecks are still cashing.
I think I speak for every Steelers fan when I say I’m ecstatic about this trade. Not only because Russ isn’t our starter, but because we only gave up a 6th round pick in the process. For once, we can be happy with the Steelers off-season acquisitions.
