Justin Fields has not taken the field with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the team has already decided that they will not pick up his $25 million fifth-year option, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
With Pittsburgh opting against picking up the option, its top two quarterbacks will enter the year playing out the final year of their contracts — Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal for the league minimum shortly before Fields was acquired from Chicago.
Fields is expected to begin the year as Pittsburgh’s backup QB.
“We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time. He’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc. He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar, and I just think that that’s something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from.”
In three years with the Bears, Fields compiled a 10-28 record across 38 starts. While he was excellent running the ball — 2,220 yards and 14 TD — Fields struggled in the passing game. Overall, Fields threw for 6,674 yards, 40 TD and 30 INT.
