Justin Fields has become a polarizing figure in the NFL world amid a rocky start to his career. Pittsburgh Steelers legend Le’Veon Bell became the latest to join the chorus of criticism.
Le’Veon Bell Shares Harsh Criticism of Justin Fields
Bell began the spat earlier this week when he quote tweeted a video clip circulating of Fields throwing passes to James Everett Jr., who goes by RouteGod on social media.
The video sparked plenty of discourse on X (formerly known as Twitter) as some commenters pointed out that Fields makes multiple throws that appear to arrive much later than is ideal.
Bell agreed with those sentiments in his quote tweet and further stated that those issues say a lot about where Fields is as a quarterback.
“That ball gettin there lateeeeeeeee,” Bell said. “I know it’s routes on air, but this is telling you a lot.”
that ball gettin there lateeeeeeeee .. I know it’s routes on air, but this is telling you a lot https://t.co/eKm7WJbWrA
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) June 19, 2024
Steelers GM Omar Khan Backs Up Fields
Omar Khan, however, has publicly backed Fields on multiple occasions and did so during a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, a Pittsburgh-based sports radio station. He joined The PM Team with Poni & Mueller show, hosted by Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller, to address a variety of topics.
The trio eventually got around to discussing Fields, and Khan was asked what he feels Fields’ role will be in 2024.
“You mean besides being a kick returner?” Khan joked, before providing an earnest answer. “He is a quarterback for us, primarily. Justin’s exciting to have.
“We really liked Justin coming out of college. Obviously, he had an up-and-down situation in Chicago, and the opportunity was there to do business and get him here. I’m excited. He’s really looked awesome.”
In the same interview, Khan expressed his excitement with where Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks’ room is compared to a year ago, along with intrigue for how it all shakes out in training camp.
“If you would have told me that we’d be sitting here with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen, even five months ago I wouldn’t have believed you,” Khan said. “Just the skill set, those guys are a little different.
“I’m excited to get to Latrobe and just see how all of this comes together.”
Why Did the Steelers Trade for Fields?
Fields was one part of Pittsburgh overhauling its QB room after poor play from the position in 2023 and prior. Kenny Pickett struggled as the starter, while Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph were also unable to provide much consistency at the spot and have less-than-stellar professional track records.
That led the Steelers to sign Wilson to a one-year contract after he was released by the Denver Broncos. Just days later, they traded for Fields. Pittsburgh also shipped off Pickett, while Trubisky and Rudolph signed elsewhere.
Wilson is the de facto starter at this point after signing with the franchise. He’s been up and down in recent seasons, including two bumpy years with the Broncos, but has a strong track record in the league and may be able to provide more for the Steelers than their previous options.
Fields had plenty of promise coming out of college as an elite dual-threat quarterback but has struggled thus far in his career. Pittsburgh hopes a new situation might help unlock his potential.
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Fields looks poised to be the backup QB, but he could have other value given his athletic prowess as a potential runner or even kickoff returner with the new rules.