Press Box: Fields to the Steelers: Good or bad?

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer

Kyler Gilliam, Contributing Writer

Continuous pressure was asserted on the first-overall pick holding Chicago Bears to trade quarterback Justin Fields, and just this past week, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

While Fields has shown promising moments, he holds an overall starting record of 10-28. 

He has shown glimpses of greatness in games but due to overall lackluster playmaking and some situational awareness issues, Fields hasn’t been able to have an over .500 season record since being drafted.

The media speculated as to potential landing spots for the talented fourth-year NFL player. Here is where Fields should have gone instead and why the Steelers are the best spot, according to two contributing writers.

Malachi’s Pick: New York Giants

Even though Fields went to the Steelers, the Big Blue was the clear and obvious prime spot for Fields. 

The Giants are still looking to sign a young quarterback even after acquiring former Seattle Seahawk QB Drew Lock in the offseason.

Fields had a rough go in Chicago but he could develop as a superstar with Brian Daboll as his head coach.

New York head coach Brian Daboll has a history of turning talented but flawed players into the best version of themselves. 

In Josh Allen’s rookie season, Allen posted a 10-touchdown and 12-interception season in his first year with the organization. The following year with Daboll as offensive coordinator, Allen threw 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. 

If the Giants could somehow get their hands on Fields, Daboll could work on Fields’ pocket presence and accuracy, both things Fields struggled with in Chicago.

With Jones likely out for the beginning of the season with an injury, New York could have taken a flier on Fields and see if there is untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. 

Kyler’s Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers acquired Justin Fields from the Bears for a sixth-round pick on Saturday, March 16, according to the NFL website. This move sets up the Steelers for success for next season and ones to come.

The Steelers also acquired quarterback Russell Wilson through free agency only paying him $1.21 million to be their starting QB. 

This cheap deal combined with Fields having two years on his rookie contract allows flexibility for the Steelers. 

If Wilson plays well, another contract could be awarded to him, but if his play does not reach the standard, Pittsburgh can easily play Fields in the 2025 season.

The Steelers have one of the best running back duos in the league with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, while also having two pro-bowl caliber receiving threats in wide receiver George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth. 

If the Steelers added a legit wide receiver in the draft and improved at center and tackle, they could propel their former bottom-dweller offense into a capable force for years to come with the help of Fields.

Wilson will play a veteran role of teaching for Fields and after some gained confidence Fields’ ability to stretch the field with his speed and ability to create plays will be important for the Steelers going forward. 

He has all the potential in the world, and learning from a former Super Bowl Champion could activate it.  

If Fields doesn’t work out, the Steelers would be in a prime position to have their QB spot filled in the 2026 draft with a variety of promising QB prospects.