Justin Fields is not going back.
Fields, who has played well enough that it’s possible he remains the Steelers’ quarterback even when Russell Wilson is allowed to return, believes he’s better coached now than he ever was at Chicago.
During an appearance on “Not Just Football” with longtime Steeler Cam Heyward, the quarterback was asked which franchise had the best coaching.
“Pittsburgh,” he said, “it’s not close.” »
Fields sat out the first three seasons of his career before being traded to Pittsburgh this offseason for a conditional sixth-round pick that could become a fourth-round pick depending on playing time.
In his final year with the Bears, he entered the campaign as a sexy bet to win the NFL MVP in a revamped Bears offense, but finished with 2,562 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, with 657 additional rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. in 13 starts.
With the Bears holding the top pick and USC star quarterback Caleb Williams the top prospect in the draft, Fields knew his days were numbered in the Windy City.
“I kind of had a feeling I was going to get traded,” Fields said. “You know, after the season, you have to go to exit meetings. They were quite brief and said, “Tricky situation here. A situation we have never been in. …It’s two different conversations when you’re in the same situation (having the No. 1 pick in the draft). We have a bit of a feeling of what is going to happen.
There doesn’t appear to be much ill will on Fields’ part for this unceremonious exit.
“At this point it’s just training and, shoot, I’m just wondering where you’re going to go,” he continued. “They didn’t hurt me too much by letting me choose where I want to be. I’m just happy I was able to finish here.
Fields is in the final year of his rookie contract after the Steelers declined his $25 million option for next season, but he could remain a long-term starter if he signs an extension after the 2024 campaign.
The Ohio State alum has helped put together a 3-0 start to the season for the Steelers, who sit alone atop the AFC North as Week 4 gets underway.
He threw for 518 yards this season and completed 73.3 percent of his passes, adding two touchdowns to just one interception, with a career-low interception percentage of 1.3.
On the ground, Fields rushed for 90 yards on 28 carries, including seven first downs, and he also ran one in for a score.
The Steelers are in Indianapolis to face the Colts in Week 4.
