Fields - not long term answer!

[alancac98]

There has been a lot of rumors that Fields could be moved before the trade deadline. After watching the Chicago vs Washington game and watching both Williams and Daniels play, it is easy to see that Fields is not the long term answer to Steeler's QB position if they want to chase championships. He could be the answer if they only care about NHALS. They are both making plays with both their legs and arms that Fields just can't consistently make. I also saw them at the line changing protections, changing plays, reading the defense well. Fields just doesn't seem to have it between the ears to take the offense to the next level. We saw that with Wilson. I got into an argument with a friend who loves Fields. It wasn't until I pointed out all of this stuff after he watched the game last night that he is beginning to realize that Fields doesn't really do any of it. I would be in favor of moving him for a pick. It would be great to get a top 3 pick for him, but a 4th is probably all we would get. JMO!

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

[gojira5150]

So, what amazing QB will the Steelers get that will turn this O around. As long as Jibba is HC this is the O he wants to run.

[blu]

Yes, it's pretty clear that Fields does not seem to have it as a franchise quarterback although he is definitely better than what the Steelers have had since Ben left. But if Fields could be the best back-up & starter without Russell Wilson or a true franchise-type draft pick as his contract is up at the end of the season - it's not like Justin will be in demand for a high enough pick on the trade market to make it worthwhile. Regardless, with his excellent personal & team efforts, I don't believe the team would would trade him mid-season unless the FO received an offer they couldn't refuse which they won't. Meanwhile, there may be some hope that Fields can learn from our very possible HOF QB, Russell Wilson & become the force that was thought he could be when initially drafted & be signed to a future somewhat team-friendly contract.

[K_C_]

I get folks aren't sold on Fields long term but with the slate of incredibly tough upcoming games on the schedule, they'd be dumber than shit to trade Fields who I will guarantee everybody will get another shot at the starting job before this season is over.

Russ is 36 and Broderick Jones is his RT.

Nah. I'd keep Ol' Justin unless he asks to be traded (which is possible I guess.)

[swissvale72]

I get folks aren't sold on Fields long term but with the slate of incredibly tough upcoming games on the schedule, they'd be dumber than shit to trade Fields who I will guarantee everybody will get another shot at the starting job before this season is over.

Russ is 36 and Broderick Jones is his RT.

Nah. I'd keep Ol' Justin unless he asks to be traded (which is possible I guess.)

What he (KC) said !!

[Deebo]

I get folks aren't sold on Fields long term but with the slate of incredibly tough upcoming games on the schedule, they'd be dumber than shit to trade Fields who I will guarantee everybody will get another shot at the starting job before this season is over.

Russ is 36 and Broderick Jones is his RT.

Nah. I'd keep Ol' Justin unless he asks to be traded (which is possible I guess.)

QB1 and Q2 both have had injuries the first 7 weeks of the season.

"Let's trade one of them!"

Brilliant strategy...

[Steelperch]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

I think ideally you run with Wilson this year and then sign him on a 3 year deal after that with the idea of moving up aggressively in the draft this year or next year to get his successor.

[alancac98]

I get folks aren't sold on Fields long term but with the slate of incredibly tough upcoming games on the schedule, they'd be dumber than shit to trade Fields who I will guarantee everybody will get another shot at the starting job before this season is over.

Russ is 36 and Broderick Jones is his RT.

Nah. I'd keep Ol' Justin unless he asks to be traded (which is possible I guess.)

Oh, I thought the same thing- gotta keep Field as insurance. However, I don't think we get to the big game anyway with Fields. So, my thinking was if Russ goes down and our 3rd stringer comes in, I honestly wouldn't mind foregoing the season for better draft position, then move down in the draft if the right guy is there for the taking. I wanted to keep Rudolph thinking that if he sucked, we might be in position for franchise QB! I'm honestly torn as I hate for my Steelers to ever lose.

[K_C_]

I get folks aren't sold on Fields long term but with the slate of incredibly tough upcoming games on the schedule, they'd be dumber than shit to trade Fields who I will guarantee everybody will get another shot at the starting job before this season is over.

Russ is 36 and Broderick Jones is his RT.

Nah. I'd keep Ol' Justin unless he asks to be traded (which is possible I guess.)

Oh, I thought the same thing- gotta keep Field as insurance. However, I don't think we get to the big game anyway with Fields. So, my thinking was if Russ goes down and our 3rd stringer comes in, I honestly wouldn't mind foregoing the season for better draft position, then move down in the draft if the right guy is there for the taking. I wanted to keep Rudolph thinking that if he sucked, we might be in position for franchise QB! I'm honestly torn as I hate for my Steelers to ever lose.

Fields has warts for sure and was inconsistent, but he was also 1 defensive play away from being 5-1 as a starter. Also, in his other loss Fields was in the midst of an incredible comeback when either he or the center fucked up a shotgun snap when the Steelers were driving for the win (and I think Fields had just led 3 straight TD drives before that fucked up shotgun snap exchange.)

The Steelers could do a whole lot worse than Fields.

Also, the Steelers and Tomlin do not forego seasons. You will never, ever see that happen, at least under Tomlin.

[Deebo]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

I think ideally you run with Wilson this year and then sign him on a 3 year deal after that with the idea of moving up aggressively in the draft this year or next year to get his successor.

I would prefer a 2 year contract extension for Russ, but I like the idea.
Let Fields walk.

A room of Wilson, Kyle Allen and a rookie isn't a bad position to be in next offseason.

[lifelongsteel]

Fields is a tier 3 starter / tier 1 backup.

I think the path forward (assuming Russell plays well) is:

Russ on a 3 year deal that gets him through age 39 at mid level Baker Mayfield type money. $25-30M per year
Sign Justin for a premier backup salary, which I think is around $8-10M a year. build legit packages for him like the saints do with Hill
Draft a R1 "next guy" in the 25 or 26 draft.

That gives you solid, top 15-20 QB + top level backup and change of pace guy + future prospect, all for less comp then league avg for QBs.

I think the Fields deal is the least likely, as he'll probably be able to get starter money somewhere

[LakecrestSteeler]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

I think ideally you run with Wilson this year and then sign him on a 3 year deal after that with the idea of moving up aggressively in the draft this year or next year to get his successor.

Why can't you sign Russ to a 2-3 year deal, and sign Fields as the highest paid backup QB?

Maybe he turns into LJ working with Russ. Maybe get a QB guru to work with him on touch. Get AR headsets and work on reading the field and progressions.

All the while working in parallel if something comes up in the draft. I'd say having Fields and RW on the roster would give some fire power for a big draft move; assuming some teams will be in hot water for a backup or starter pre and post draft.

[LakecrestSteeler]

There has been a lot of rumors that Fields could be moved before the trade deadline. After watching the Chicago vs Washington game and watching both Williams and Daniels play, it is easy to see that Fields is not the long term answer to Steeler's QB position if they want to chase championships. He could be the answer if they only care about NHALS. They are both making plays with both their legs and arms that Fields just can't consistently make. I also saw them at the line changing protections, changing plays, reading the defense well. Fields just doesn't seem to have it between the ears to take the offense to the next level. We saw that with Wilson. I got into an argument with a friend who loves Fields. It wasn't until I pointed out all of this stuff after he watched the game last night that he is beginning to realize that Fields doesn't really do any of it. I would be in favor of moving him for a pick. It would be great to get a top 3 pick for him, but a 4th is probably all we would get. JMO!

I think we all said that about LJ at one point too. Maybe Fields is too far gone, maybe not.

[jmacinwbp]

Fields is a tier 3 starter / tier 1 backup.

I think the path forward (assuming Russell plays well) is:

Russ on a 3 year deal that gets him through age 39 at mid level Baker Mayfield type money. $25-30M per year
Sign Justin for a premier backup salary, which I think is around $8-10M a year. build legit packages for him like the saints do with Hill
Draft a R1 "next guy" in the 25 or 26 draft.

That gives you solid, top 15-20 QB + top level backup and change of pace guy + future prospect, all for less comp then league avg for QBs.

I think the Fields deal is the least likely, as he'll probably be able to get starter money somewhere

I've been arguing this type of scenario would be optimal for the Steelers with my phuns fans @work, for the last 4-5 weeks. They've bought into the Russ has a team killer attitude that a few of his haters from Denver (Mark S.) were peddling, and that Fields ego, would never allow him to take a back seat, and learn from the perfect role model for his type of game for a couple of years.

What I think my friends, and many of the national talking heads are missing, is how much of a great kid Fields has turned out to be, and how I believe he genuinely sees how his current flaws are preventing him form being a top level, Elite type QB. This kid wants to learn & improve his game, and isn't deluded into thinking he's got it all down, and the problems are with his supporting cast/coaching. Now if some dumbFuck organization offers him $35 million+ /per year in a mostly guaranteed multi year contract, he'll probably bolt, but if the max he is seeing is $15-20 million/year, and the Steelers offer him $12-$15 million/year, there's a pretty good chance he stays put.

If Russ wins a PO game or two this year, this scenario would require him giving a preferred location discount to the Steelers, in order to take the Baker like, or slightly more, type of starting QB contract. I think this wouldn't be too much of a stretch to see him going for because:

- he and his wife are sort of in the Brady/Gisele level of FYou $$$, maybe a little below, but definitely enough.

- Luvs him some MikeyT BS, blends in perfectly with his cornball good guy persona.

- Sees this overall group (Vet top 5 D, Young group of potential O stars, and solid/stable coaching/management) as well situated to enhance his HOF creds.

- He has legit interest in helping develop Fields into a similar game changing Elite QB talent, who he can pass the torch to...further enhancing his HOF creds.

Also, I disagree with KC on Fields guaranteed to be getting a chance to be a long term starter of this group this year. Don't think that's the mindset of Tomlin, or the rest of the Vets on the team, maybe briefly fill in for a game or two, if/when Russ gets dinged up, but Russ has always been known for his fanaticism for keeping his body in great shape, and isn't that frail outta shape 35 year old some seem to think he is.


He's more than capable of avoiding major injuries due to BJones learning curve, as long as he doesn't do some outlier training/practice stunt like push a blocking sled, during the practice week he'll be just fine.

Yeah a lot of wishful/hopeful thinking here, that could go to shit with a piss poor outing tonight, but not really all that crazy right?

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Another reason to keep Fields is that he is not only a reliable BU but a different kind of back up.

One of the reasons that pitchers are benched after three rounds of the batting order in MLB is that analytics show hitters are more productive after they can figure out tendencies.

Defenses do the same with QBs.

It's good to have a reliable BU, but it's even better to have one that brings a different bag of tricks. Meaning he can change it up and run like hell.

This is also a reason to have him platoon which I hope they work on during the bye week.

[bradshaw2ben]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

If Wilson stays healthy... it still seems pretty unlikely they'll win much of anything important this year. If Wilson goes down, they're not winning shit of importance.

[bradshaw2ben]

Yes, it's pretty clear that Fields does not seem to have it as a franchise quarterback although he is definitely better than what the Steelers have had since Ben left. But if Fields could be the best back-up & starter without Russell Wilson or a true franchise-type draft pick as his contract is up at the end of the season - it's not like Justin will be in demand for a high enough pick on the trade market to make it worthwhile. Regardless, with his excellent personal & team efforts, I don't believe the team would would trade him mid-season unless the FO received an offer they couldn't refuse which they won't. Meanwhile, there may be some hope that Fields can learn from our very possible HOF QB, Russell Wilson & become the force that was thought he could be when initially drafted & be signed to a future somewhat team-friendly contract.

It's a money question: are you willing to pay Justin Fields $40M/per year starting in March? If the answer is no, then I think you consider trading him, but only for a pick that's the equivalent of a 2026 4th rounder––i.e. the comp pick you could get for him. So, for a 2025 5th or better, I sure think about it.

[bradshaw2ben]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

I think ideally you run with Wilson this year and then sign him on a 3 year deal after that with the idea of moving up aggressively in the draft this year or next year to get his successor.

If Wilson doesn't reveal himself by the end of the seaosn to be washed AND you're willing to pay him $50M/per, I think this is the right strategy. I haven't really considered the cap ramifications of that, but if you can continue to pay your core guys and still pay QB1 top-dollar, that could work. But the successor QB has to play sooner rather than later so that you can have at least a couple of years of that rookie QB deal advantage.

[bradshaw2ben]

Why can't you sign Russ to a 2-3 year deal, and sign Fields as the highest paid backup QB?

Because it would be shocking if that cost less than $70-80M/per season.

The 15th highest paid starting QB in the league is getting $40M/per and 2-3 of the guys below that are about to get a bump in salary. There are 20 starting QBs making $30M plus each.

If both guys feel like they are starters, the absolute minimum contracts they'll sign would be one above average and one just below average. If Russ gives you a sweetheart deal (like, no chance of this since he knows you've only paid him league minimum for one season), then maybe he signs for $40M/per. If Fields beleive in his hear to fo hearts that he's best off remaining as the #2 in PIT, then maybe he signs as the top p[iad Backup... but that seems a stretch, considering it's about $20M/per less than what a bottom tier starter gets per year. That miraculous set of contracts would still cost you like 55-60M/per.

[Deebo]

Yes, it's pretty clear that Fields does not seem to have it as a franchise quarterback although he is definitely better than what the Steelers have had since Ben left. But if Fields could be the best back-up & starter without Russell Wilson or a true franchise-type draft pick as his contract is up at the end of the season - it's not like Justin will be in demand for a high enough pick on the trade market to make it worthwhile. Regardless, with his excellent personal & team efforts, I don't believe the team would would trade him mid-season unless the FO received an offer they couldn't refuse which they won't. Meanwhile, there may be some hope that Fields can learn from our very possible HOF QB, Russell Wilson & become the force that was thought he could be when initially drafted & be signed to a future somewhat team-friendly contract.

It's a money question: are you willing to pay Justin Fields $40M/per year starting in March? If the answer is no, then I think you consider trading him, but only for a pick that's the equivalent of a 2026 4th rounder––i.e. the comp pick you could get for him. So, for a 2025 5th or better, I sure think about it.

Isn't Fields a FA after this season?

[K_C_]

Also, I disagree with KC on Fields guaranteed to be getting a chance to be a long term starter of this group this year. Don't think that's the mindset of Tomlin, or the rest of the Vets on the team, maybe briefly fill in for a game or two, if/when Russ gets dinged up, but Russ has always been known for his fanaticism for keeping his body in great shape, and isn't that frail outta shape 35 year old some seem to think he is.


He's more than capable of avoiding major injuries due to BJones learning curve, as long as he doesn't do some outlier training/practice stunt like push a blocking sled, during the practice week he'll be just fine.

Yeah a lot of wishful/hopeful thinking here, that could go to shit with a piss poor outing tonight, but not really all that crazy right?

I’m hoping Russ stays healthy and balls out like he did Sunday night but we are heading into the teeth of a very, very tough schedule with all our division games left + playing several other high level teams.

…….and Broderick Jones is going to remain at RT.

Zero doubt in my mind he will get Russ at the very least dinged and very possibly destroyed.

Hell, even though the Giants suck, they’re still among the top QB sack teams in the league.

I’m certain Fields will be starting more games before this is over.

[Steelperch]

Except that little problem of a 36 year QB with limited mobility who could easily go down. Backup QB is the second most important position.

I think ideally you run with Wilson this year and then sign him on a 3 year deal after that with the idea of moving up aggressively in the draft this year or next year to get his successor.

Why can't you sign Russ to a 2-3 year deal, and sign Fields as the highest paid backup QB?

Maybe he turns into LJ working with Russ. Maybe get a QB guru to work with him on touch. Get AR headsets and work on reading the field and progressions.

All the while working in parallel if something comes up in the draft. I'd say having Fields and RW on the roster would give some fire power for a big draft move; assuming some teams will be in hot water for a backup or starter pre and post draft.

Because Fields is going to want a starting job and more money than we can afford. We also have a big need at WR, RB and some other holes heading into FA. Plus it’s obvious Fields isn’t the long term answer. Wilson is an ideal bridge QB.

[Ice]

If Wilson turns out to be good enough to take the team to the playoffs, and turns out to be a better QB option than Fields, how do we know he's not going to be asking for more money than Fields?

[blu]

If Wilson turns out to be good enough to take the team to the playoffs, and turns out to be a better QB option than Fields, how do we know he's not going to be asking for more money than Fields?

Do you think that Russell Wilson wants to move again after the disaster in Denver?

[bradshaw2ben]

Yes, it's pretty clear that Fields does not seem to have it as a franchise quarterback although he is definitely better than what the Steelers have had since Ben left. But if Fields could be the best back-up & starter without Russell Wilson or a true franchise-type draft pick as his contract is up at the end of the season - it's not like Justin will be in demand for a high enough pick on the trade market to make it worthwhile. Regardless, with his excellent personal & team efforts, I don't believe the team would would trade him mid-season unless the FO received an offer they couldn't refuse which they won't. Meanwhile, there may be some hope that Fields can learn from our very possible HOF QB, Russell Wilson & become the force that was thought he could be when initially drafted & be signed to a future somewhat team-friendly contract.

It's a money question: are you willing to pay Justin Fields $40M/per year starting in March? If the answer is no, then I think you consider trading him, but only for a pick that's the equivalent of a 2026 4th rounder––i.e. the comp pick you could get for him. So, for a 2025 5th or better, I sure think about it.

Isn't Fields a FA after this season?

Yes, I mean you consider trading him before the trading deadline in-season if you're not going to keep him.

[franco32]

If Russ continues to play well, the answer is that you try to re-sign Russ at a Tomlin discount (ie. sell him on this being "family" and a heavy run/play action offense that he likes).

Then you draft a QB of the future very high to sit behind him.

You let JF go in the offseason (because they won't trade him at the deadline since they need him as a security blanket with Broderick playing and getting people possibly hurt).

[bradshaw2ben]

If Wilson turns out to be good enough to take the team to the playoffs, and turns out to be a better QB option than Fields, how do we know he's not going to be asking for more money than Fields?

Oh, I think it's already certain he's going to demand more money than Fields.

I think it's pretty likely Fileds will get Baker Mayfiled's deal adjusted for cap inflation and Wilson is going to get like $50M/per.

By next year at the draft, there will be roughly 20 QBs at $40M per or more. Unless Russ totally falls apart or has a long-term injury, I think he's a lock for $40, might get offers for $60M/per, and will likely get a 3 year deal worth $150M or so.

As I said in March, beefore Justin Fields was ever signed, Russ Wilson is a perfect QB this year. If he works out well, he's your bridge to the future and being age 36 doesn't cockblock moving up to get an elite QB prospect. If he doesn't work out, then he's gone after the season and you get a fresh start.

Trading for Fields actually messed up this more or less perfect plan. He confuses the issue because he's a good guy and flashes talent but he's death to the future if they re-sign him as the long term starter and use it as a reason not to draft a potentially elite prospect.

[bradshaw2ben]

If Russ continues to play well, the answer is that you try to re-sign Russ at a Tomlin discount (ie. sell him on this being "family" and a heavy run/play action offense that he likes).

Then you draft a QB of the future very high to sit behind him.

You let JF go in the offseason (because they won't trade him at the deadline since they need him as a security blanket with Broderick playing and getting people possibly hurt).

I mean, Wilson already agreed to one massive discount. The Steelers are getting him this year for free. NFL athletes don't think, "well some other team is paying me, so you don't have to, trust me). Also, a Tomlin discount in this case means 3 years at $125M.

[LakecrestSteeler]

What is up with the hamstring injury too?

This sounds fishy.

Sounds like an agent injury to prevent wildcat, WR activity, and any QB play without full first team reps the week before? Or is it a real an injury?