PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Instead of the questions the Steelers have about Justin Fields, let's look at the questions Fields should be asking before he thinks about returning to the Steelers. Here are some points the 25-year-old needs to consider.
Will the Steelers continue to play a passive offense?
Harder to find a more 'playing not to lose system' currently than the Pittsburgh Steelers. The paranoia for turning it over leads to generic and risk averse schemes. Listen, no one wants a giveaway and it will win you a couple of games scoring only field goals, but it's not going to win you a championship. It's a franchise right now that prides itself for being aggressive on defense, but rarely attacks on offense, usually only when trailing.
I would want to know the mindset of the 2025 offense if I'm Fields. Is it a system where he would be allowed to create? To take chances down the field? To have games where he might read-option double-digit times? Where he might carry the football in double-digits? Fields did it in three games last year, the last two averaged 5.5 per carry. He's also had a thousand-yard season rushing and finished ninth in the Offensive Player of the Year voting. Can they look more at that potential?
Bottom line-Will he be able to use his abilities or locked in a cage playing with fear of making a mistake?
What is the wide receiver plan?
If you keep George Pickens, will you allow Fields to take chances with him? Are there going to be creative ways to get him the ball? Will he have help? Other than Calvin Austin, who took some steps last season, this group needs a real makeover. We heard rumors about adding a big-time player there, what is the front office really doing? Are you going to tell Fields that injured rookie Roman Wilson and another third-round pick will make it all better?
Then if George starts acting up, what is the discipline for him? He pouted at the end of Fields time as starter and he's entering into the final year of his contract. Does he have to babysit this guy? What are they doing to get his mind right?
Who else do they bring in at quarterback?
Last year when Fields came in Mike Tomlin said publicly it was a competition. It never was. Fields probably never would have gotten to play if not for Russell Wilson injuring himself pushing a sled. Is Fields going to sign and the team brings Wilson back or Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins and he doesn't have a real chance to start?
If they draft a quarterback, will Fields have the same assurances that a Mitch Trubisky had of at least initially starting where he could only lose the job?
Bottom line-will they commit to Fields and all of his abilities or are they just using him until they find the next quarterback?
Other concerns
· Offensive line-Will Broderick Jones be a better left tackle than right? Is Troy Fautanu a plug-and-play right tackle?
· Running back-With Najee Harris gone, can Fields finally get to play with Jaylen Warren, understanding he was hurt early last year, can they be a thing with a couple of clones like him to use?
· Coaching staff/offense-can he work through an offseason program that he trusts, that will make him a better passer of the football? What are the Steelers' plan for his offseason?
When Fields was being shopped by Chicago there were few suitors. There may be few this year, but even with that, Fields needs to get some answers from the Steelers before he should consider returning.
