If quarterback Justin Fields held a grudge towards the Pittsburgh Steelers, that might be comprehensible.
Fields (who has since signed a two-year, $40M cope with the New York Jets) went 4-2 in six begins with the Steelers in 2024 earlier than Russell Wilson recovered from a calf harm and assumed the beginning position. Wilson (now with the New York Giants) went 6-5 in 11 regular-season begins and misplaced to the Baltimore Ravens within the AFC wild-card spherical.
In his first news conference with the Jets, Fields did not bash his former staff however indicated not getting one other shot bothered him.
“It was totally different for me and an area I wasn’t actually snug,” Fields mentioned Wednesday. “However [Steelers head coach Mike] Tomlin decided he thought was finest for the staff. I am by no means going to go in opposition to that. I simply tried to vary my perspective and get higher in follow.”
Fields mentioned the choice did not persuade him to signal with the Jets in free company, and he is centered on proving he could be a profitable beginning QB within the NFL.
“Positively one thing that I wish to show to myself,” Fields mentioned. “And I feel expectations for myself are increased than anyone else’s, to be sincere with you. So one thing to show for myself.”
Fields’ profession has been turbulent up to now. For the reason that Chicago Bears chosen him with choose No. 11 within the 2021 NFL Draft, he has tossed 45 landing passes however has a 14-30 beginning document within the common season.
In 10 regular-season video games with Pittsburgh final season, the 26-year-old had 10 touchdowns (5 passing and 5 dashing) however threw for greater than 300 passing yards only once.
Whether or not he can attain his potential with the Jets stays unclear. Fields is reuniting with star New York vast receiver Garrett Wilson, whom he performed with at Ohio State from 2019-20. Nonetheless, the Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010, they usually have a rookie head coach, Aaron Glenn.
Nonetheless, Fields salvaging his profession would make the Steelers surprise if they need to’ve finished extra to retain him, particularly if they do not signal QB Aaron Rodgers and are compelled to start out Mason Rudolph in Week 1.
