Now, Fields will hit free agency in 2025.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not expected to pick up the fifth-year option for quarterback Justin Fields, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday.
That effectively makes him a free agent in 2025, playing on a one-year deal alongside veteran Russell Wilson following his tumultuous run in Chicago. The fifth-year option for the former No. 11 pick would have cost the team $25.664 million, per Over The Cap.
Even if the Steelers do not end up signing Fields to a long-term deal (whether as a starter or a backup), the move was a no-brainer considering the limited compensation involved. Pittsburgh sent a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that can become a fourth-round pick if he plays more than 51% of offensive snaps this season — not a bad price for a massive upgrade, at worst, for a backup quarterback, or at best, for a potential high-upside starter.
As one of the most prolific rushing quarterbacks in recent seasons, Fields’ passing stats have left plenty to be desired. However, he is coming off a season posting a career-high 197.1 passing yards per game, completing passes at a 61.4% clip to complement an additional 50.5 rush yards per game. After a bit of a touchdown drought during the tenure of former quarterback Kenny Pickett, Steelers fans can rest easy considering Fields’ 4.2% career touchdown rate. Now, he’ll have an opportunity to compete with veteran Russell Wilson for the starting job and an eventual contract extension with the Steelers, should they view him as a long-term option.
After acquiring Fields from the Chicago Bears in March, the Steelers now have two decisions to make regarding the fifth-year option this year, the other being running back Najee Harris, who they drafted with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. There has been no consensus word regarding their decision for Harris, with a decision due by the Tuesday, May 2 deadline.
Based on the playing time incentive, Harris’ fifth-year option is set at $6.79 million. That average annual value (AAV) would rank 12th among running backs, which should make that a relatively easy decision for Pittsburgh. Despite playing behind a shaky offensive line in one of the league’s worst offenses, Harris has ranked fourth among running backs with 3,269 rushing yards and 10th with 21 rushing touchdowns, though his efficiency has left something to be desired.