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When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Justin Fields in March, it was reported that the former Chicago Bears quarterback was joining the team in a clearly defined role — as Russell Wilson’s backup.
Since then, head coach Mike Tomlin has opened the door to a quarterback competition in which Fields can win the starting job. He has said on multiple occasions since the trade that Wilson is in “pole position,” but Fields will have “opportunity to compete.”
Fields: ‘I’m definitely competing’
As far as Fields is concerned, the competition is on with the start of Steelers offseason organized activities (OTAs) this week. Fields addressed his mindset while speaking with reporters at OTAs on Tuesday.
“I’m definitely competing,” Fields said. “Russ knows that. We’re competing against each other every day. … I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting all year. I’m coming in every day giving it all I’ve got — pushing him to be his best, and he’s pushing me to be my best each and every day.”
Why wouldn’t Steelers give Fields a chance to start?
An open competition makes more sense than handing the keys to a 35-year-old Wilson who significantly regressed from his Pro Bowl form with the Seattle Seahawks in two seasons with the Denver Broncos. Because of his performance in Denver, the Broncos bailed on Wilson this offseason, despite owing him $39 million in guaranteed money next season.
Fields, meanwhile, failed to live up to the expectations that made him the 11th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Bears moved on to Caleb Williams this offseason, and no team was willing to commit significant trade capital to acquire Fields or pick up the $25.6 million fifth-year option on his rookie contract. The Steelers acquired him for a conditional sixth-round pick and declined the fifth-year option.
Once on-field foes, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are now competing for the same job. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
But Fields showed flashes in Chicago and is one of the league’s best…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-on-steelers-qb-situation-russell-wilson-im-definitely-competing-russ-knows-that-213046026.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-05-21 21:30:46
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