Justin Fields Named Increase Or Bust Free Agent, Might Be ‘One Of The League’s Most Costly Benchwarmers’

Whereas Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields led the staff to a 4-2 report in his six begins in 2024 and confirmed improved decision-making, there are nonetheless legitimate questions on whether or not he could be a beginning quarterback within the NFL. Fields had some flashes with the Steelers, however the staff additionally protected him and didn’t actually open up the playbook as a lot, and Fields nonetheless had points along with his accuracy at occasions. He’s set to be a free agent within the coming weeks, and NFL.com’s Matt Okada believes Fields is a “growth or bust” free agent possibility.

“Justin Fields has flashed loads of upside in 4 seasons, however the overwhelming majority of it has come on the bottom, whereas his passing manufacturing has remained unsustainably low. He wants the best state of affairs if he’s going to turn into a real franchise QB and never only a rush-package specialist. A franchise that pulls that off on a short-term deal for backup cash would land an astronomical worth. In any other case, he’ll merely be one of many league’s costliest benchwarmers.”

The upside may very well be there with Fields. He was a first-round decide who by no means had a very good state of affairs in Chicago, and he’s among the best quarterbacks within the league with regards to utilizing his legs. However he wants to enhance as a passer, and he took steps towards doing so in Pittsburgh along with his improved decision-making, throwing only one interception in six video games. It was a promising signal, however there are nonetheless extra questions than solutions with Fields.

He solely began these six video games for the Steelers, with the staff opting to start out Russell Wilson for the remainder of the season as soon as he received wholesome, and he struggled greater than he succeeded in his prior stint with the Chicago Bears. The Steelers appear to love what they’ve in Fields and need to re-sign him over Wilson, but when Fields hits the open market, groups across the league are going to want to weigh how a lot to worth the six-game pattern dimension and whether or not they assume Fields could be a official starter.

It looks as if groups are viewing Fields as a starter, which isn’t a shock, particularly in a weak quarterback market. However the state of affairs and match for Fields goes to be vital, and if his market will get pushed up resulting from curiosity across the league, somebody may wind up paying Fields greater than he’s confirmed to be price on the open market.

Ideally, a staff is hoping that Fields performs extra just like the quarterback he confirmed he may be final season with among the child gloves taken off within the passing sport. Whether or not it’s with the Steelers or elsewhere although, signing Justin Fields to be a starter comes with some degree of danger, and it’ll be attention-grabbing to see the place he finally ends up and for the way a lot.