Justin Fields’ so-called ‘warning’ amid Steelers’ trade rumors is anything but

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields was benched in favor of Russell Wilson before last week’s win over the New York Jets. Wilson looked as talented as ever, which meant he should get another opportunity against the New York Giants on Monday night. He earned this the hard way.

Pittsburgh’s offense looked talented to Wilson in different ways. With fieldsThe passing game was limited. Thanks to Wilson’s ability to stretch the field with his patented ‘moonball’, George Pickens has become more involved in the offense and defenses must respect the Steelers’ passing attack moving forward. Doing this ultimately gives Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren faster lanes.

Mike Tomlin made the right decision for now. Fields performed well in his six games as a starter; Tomlin and Wilson also acknowledged this after the game. So could Fields make a move at the NFL trade deadline? Not so fast, guys.

Although other QB-needy teams want Fields, he’s a great fit in Pittsburgh. Wilson already suffered a calf injury earlier this season, and Fields is a cheap insurance policy for the Steelers. It’s also a developmental project the Steelers could implement after this season if they like what they see in practice. He’s not the best fit to run the Steelers’ offense right now.

Fields caused a stir when he posted a message on his Instagram story that some took as a warning message. The message read in all capital letters, “WE ARE WAITING PATIENTLY.” Now, I can definitely see how this could be read as a disgruntled former starter wanting an opportunity. But above all Fields made it clearHe seems very happy with the competent offensive coaching staff in Pittsburgh.

“If I’m honest with you, I don’t think I played well enough,” Fields said. “If I’m honest with myself, if I play well enough I don’t think there will be any question about who should be playing and who shouldn’t be playing.”

Whether it’s in Pittsburgh or elsewhere next season, the on-field opportunity is looming. He is in the final year of his contract and is growing behind Wilson and playing it cool rather than pushing will play to his advantage in the long run. Look no further than Sam Darnold with the Minnesota Vikings this season for proof of that.

Darnold was beloved in the San Francisco 49ers locker room last season and got a second chance in Minnesota this year. He made the most of it, just like Fields might do in 2025.