The 2021 NFL draft quarterback class is primarily defined by Trevor Lawrence, with the other quarterbacks selected in the first round not receiving the same level of confidence from their teams. Justin Fields, who was chosen by the Chicago Bears as the No. 11 overall pick, was seen as the franchise quarterback of the future. However, after three seasons, the Bears traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers and are now focusing on No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Fields had mixed reviews as the Bears’ starting quarterback, with a coach noting his struggle to read the field and make plays effectively.
Fields showed flashes of greatness in his highlights, but his overall performance was hindered by a lack of support from the Bears coaching staff. His athleticism was often relied upon, highlighting the team’s inability to put him in a position to succeed. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how much Fields will improve as he backs up Russell Wilson in the Steelers’ new offense, and whether he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the field.
The decision by the Steelers to acquire Fields as their backup quarterback signals a potential opportunity for him to develop within their system. With Wilson as the starter, Fields can learn from an experienced quarterback and potentially improve his game. While he may not see immediate playing time, being in a new environment could benefit his growth and help him reach his full potential as a quarterback.
The mixed reviews surrounding Fields as a quarterback reflect the challenges he faced in Chicago, where he was unable to fully display his abilities due to various factors, including coaching and team support. Despite his potential and moments of brilliance, Fields struggled to consistently perform at a high level, leading to questions about his future success in the NFL. The trade to the Steelers offers a fresh start for Fields and the opportunity to prove himself in a different environment.
As Fields transitions to his new role with the Steelers, there is uncertainty about how he will adapt to the team’s offense and whether he will be able to make significant strides in his development. While he has shown potential, the key will be how he can utilize his skills within the Steelers’ system and earn playing time behind Wilson. The upcoming season will be critical for Fields as he works to establish himself as a capable quarterback in the league and silence his critics.
Overall, the trajectory of Fields’ career as an NFL quarterback is still uncertain, with his time with the Steelers offering a fresh opportunity to prove himself. Despite the challenges he faced in Chicago, Fields has the potential to succeed with the right support and coaching. His performance in Pittsburgh will be closely watched as he aims to make his mark in the league and establish himself as a reliable and effective quarterback for the future.
