‘Would not Make Sense’: Former NFL DL Confused Why Steelers Did not Re-Signal Justin Fields

Because the offseason began, it appeared like Justin Fields was probably to be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ beginning quarterback in 2025. Whilst not too long ago because the NFL Scouting Mix, GM Omar Khan mentioned the Steelers needed to retain Fields or Russell Wilson. Sadly, they couldn’t get a deal accomplished with Fields. He ended up agreeing to a cope with the New York Jets. Now, the Steelers are left rudderless underneath middle, which left former NFL defensive lineman Chris Canty shaking his head.

“I simply don’t perceive why the Pittsburgh Steelers let him stroll out the door,” Canty mentioned Tuesday on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike. “If this was the man that you simply have been prioritizing, and also you noticed that the Jets have been in a position to get him for $30 million assured over two years, I don’t perceive it. It doesn’t make sense.

“From Fields’ perspective, I get it as a result of the group benched him, and there could be some harm emotions in that as a result of he thought he was performing nicely.”

Canty is appropriate that the deal is sensible for Fields. The Steelers didn’t do him many favors final yr. That they had a quarterback competitors between him and Wilson, but it surely by no means actually felt like Fields had an opportunity to win it. Wilson began in pole place, and solely an harm actually modified that.

When Fields stepped as much as begin the season, he regarded good. He helped the Steelers soar out to a 4-2 begin. The Steelers’ offense nonetheless had points, however possibly a few of these kinks would’ve been labored out had Fields returned. Nevertheless, Canty is appropriate that Fields might need felt just a little mistrust towards the group due to how that was dealt with. That may very well be a part of why he left Pittsburgh.

From the Steelers’ perspective, letting Fields go away makes just a little extra sense than Canty thinks it does. Fields’ two-year cope with the Jets is reportedly value a complete of $40 million. That’s some huge cash for Fields, who hasn’t actually confirmed rather a lot within the NFL. Earlier than coming to Pittsburgh, he regarded deeply flawed as a passer. He improved final yr, however there have been nonetheless points.

There are additionally experiences that the Steelers wouldn’t assure cash in Fields’ contract previous the primary yr. That’s par for the course for the way they do enterprise, although. It simply looks as if Fields’ asking worth was above what the Steelers have been prepared to pay.

It’s truthful to criticize that. Fields did seem to be the Steelers’ best choice. They’ve a good quantity of cap house as nicely, so that they wouldn’t have been hurting had they paid just a little greater than they’d hoped for Fields. By not signing him, they’re left in a decent spot at quarterback. We’ll see if Fields proves that he was value that cash with the Jets. It could be a choice the Steelers remorse, however solely time will inform.