The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splash when they acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Now, sorting out the quarterback position is their top priority. Justin Fields was one of Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks last season and is reportedly in the mix — if not the favorite — to be the Steelers’ starter next season.
But ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Fields has one key requirement that could determine whether he returns. Even with a guarantee from Pittsburgh, he still might not come back, but without one, he definitely won’t.
Justin Fields and a Potential Return to Pittsburgh
Fields will not return to the Steelers without a commitment that he will be the QB1 and locked-in starter. He has reported interest from other quarterback-needy teams like the New York Jets.
According to Schefter, without that guarantee, Pittsburgh shouldn’t expect a reunion with Fields.
Justin Fields will not sign with the Steelers unless they commit he is QB1, according to Adam Schefter. #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) March 10, 2025
Last season, Fields split time as the starter with Russell Wilson. He began the year under center while Wilson recovered from an injury but lost the job after a 4-2 start once Wilson returned to full health. Now, as a free agent, he’s not willing to accept a similar situation.
Fields is currently in Dubai enjoying himself as free agency kicks off. His birthday was a few days ago, and he’s taking some time abroad. The Steelers and Jets are considered the top contenders for his services, as both teams need a quarterback to maximize their offensive weapons. In PFSN’s top 121 free agents for 2025, Fields is ranked No. 42. He’s viewed as a low-to-medium risk signing with plenty of upside.
Fields remains a threat with his legs and can throw at an average clip. He didn’t have enough pass attempts to qualify under PFSN’s QB+ metric, but if he had maintained his pace, he would have finished 15th, putting him in the top half of the NFL. One of his biggest strengths is ball security in the red zone, where he has thrown 29 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
However, Fields has struggled against the blitz throughout his career. The Steelers’ offense wasn’t prolific under him, but they still won games with him leading the way.
His future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain as the Steelers are reportedly interested in acquiring four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers from the Jets. If Pittsburgh secures Rodgers, New York would be in prime position to land Fields, as the Steelers would no longer need him as their starter.
After an initial report that Pittsburgh and Rodgers were nearing a deal, Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac later clarified that no agreement was imminent. Discussions are ongoing, but nothing is close yet.
The market for Fields is constantly shifting as teams make moves. His future in Pittsburgh is up in the air, especially without a guarantee that he will be the starter. With interest in Rodgers reportedly heating up, the chances of Fields staying with the Steelers appear to be fading.