Was Justin Fields Steelers' First Choice QB? Insider Weighs in on ESPN's Hot Take

The host of ESPN Get Up, Mike Greenberg, suggests that quarterback Justin Fields was Pittsburgh's first choice all along, but a longtime Steelers beat writer disagrees.

Author:
Wil Riggs
Jun 23, 2024 4:30 PM EDT

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Pittsburgh Steelers

There has already been plenty of quarterback controversy with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. The incredibly disappointing Kenny Pickett was traded away, and Russell Wilson was signed to be the starter—or was he?

The very next day, the Steelers traded for former No. 11 overall pick Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. Fields is 10 years younger than Wilson, at 25, and has upside left. Wilson is a savvy veteran looking to resurrect his career, but will he get a chance?

ESPN’s Mike Greenberg recently suggested that Fields was the Steelers' target all along, but they signed Wilson because the Bears originally wanted too much in return. However, once that asking price dropped, they made the trade. Yet, despite this, one long-time Steelers beat writer disagrees.

"I'm sure Omar Khan was keeping in touch with Ryan Poles from the end of the season until whenever that deal was made,” Ray Fittipaldi said in a recent interview with 93.7 The Fan. “So I can't imagine that, you know, a week or two passed, and Ryan Poles said, 'Okay, it's a first-round pick, and now it's a sixth-round pick.' So to me, I think Russell Wilson was their guy. ...

"I think the reason Justin Fields is here is because Kenny Pickett wanted out, and once Kenny Pickett wanted out you needed to get a viable backup in here because you have a 36-year-old quarterback in Russell Wilson."

Fittipaldi's take on the Steelers certainly makes a little more sense. While we can't say for certain, the team's original plan was for Wilson to compete with Pickett for the starting job. However, once Pickett demanded a trade, they were forced to trade for Fields to serve as their new No. 2.

Yet, even after coach Mike Tomlin revealed earlier this offseason that Wilson is in "pole position" to be the Steelers' starting quarterback, Fields has not relegated himself to the sideline just yet.

"I'm taking it day by day. I'm definitely competing, Russ knows that. We're out there competing against each other every day," Fields said back at the start of OTAs.

As the Steelers head into training camp, the quarterback pecking order doesn't seem to have changed. The veteran Wilson is still on course to be the starter, while Fields will serve as his backup, at least to start the season.