The Pittsburgh Steelers, with quarterback Justin Fields, went 4-2 in their first six games of the season. However, they secured a dominant win against the New York Jets in Week 7 after benching Fields for Russell Wilson. Fields accepted responsibility for his benching, stating he would have retained the starting spot if he had performed better, even though he logged 10 total touchdowns and only 1 interception in those six games.Now, in the final year of his rookie contract, Fields could become a free agent in March unless he and the Steelers agree on an extension. He’s keen to prove his value and earn a multi-year deal, particularly given a potentially limited QB free agent pool in 2025. On October 25, Fields posted a cryptic message on his Instagram story, suggesting his eagerness to return to a starting role.

Impact

The message’s intent is open to interpretation: Fields could be hoping for another shot with the Steelers if Wilson falters or faces injury, or he might be eyeing free agency for a “prove it” deal elsewhere. Alternatively, he could be anticipating a trade before the November 5 deadline. For now, Wilson is the Steelers’ starter as long as he’s healthy, with the team holding a solid 5-2 record and aiming for AFC contention. The Steelers might retain Fields as a reliable backup given his success in their system, but they’re also expected to seek a wide receiver soon. Fields could be part of such a trade, which would let Pittsburgh bolster their roster without using future draft picks. Additionally, the Steelers might look to draft a quarterback next year to either learn under Wilson or compete with him, making a mid round pick for Fields an attractive option if they need assets to move up in the draft.