Pittsburgh Is Doing Justin Fields So Dirty

Something unusual is happening with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite a strong 4-2 start, which included a dominant win over the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Mike Tomlin has decided to switch quarterbacks. Justin Fields, who has accounted for 10 touchdowns and only one interception, is being benched for Russell Wilson. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler, has been recovering from a calf injury for over a month but is now fully practicing and has impressed Tomlin enough to be given a chance as the starter.

Tomlin mentioned wanting more from the passing game, which has been underwhelming. Fields acknowledged he hadn’t done enough to secure the starting spot, though some players and league insiders are puzzled by the move. According to Diana Russini from The Athletic, there is speculation that the decision might be tied to protecting a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, which the Steelers would owe Chicago if Fields plays more than half of the team’s offensive snaps this season. If Fields plays less, the compensation would drop to a sixth-round pick.

Many around the league are questioning why Tomlin would make this change when the team is performing well. The concern is that it could disrupt the momentum Fields has built over the last month. While Tomlin might believe Wilson could boost the offense further, such a move could also backfire, potentially undermining the team’s chemistry and Fields’ progress.

Benching Fields to protect a draft pick, if true, seems unfair, especially given the team’s current success. Decisions like these can harm team dynamics, and while Tomlin might feel confident he can revert to Fields if needed, it’s a risky move that could derail the quarterback’s momentum.