The Pittsburgh Steelers lost two significant quarterbacks this year after Russell Wilson decided to sit in free agency while Justin Fields joined the New York Jets. The team is now left with only two quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster. Jeremy Fowler, who is a senior NFL reporter from ESPN, revealed during “The Dan Patrick Show” that the Steelers tried re-signing Fields. However, their $40 million deal flopped. If you want to know more about the Steelers’ $40M QB signing flop, this article is for you.
Steelers’ $40M QB Signing Flop: Jeremy Fowler Reveals The Failed Offer
Jeremy Fowler reported in the show that the Steelers put together an offer for Justin Fields a week or half a week ago. He revealed how he was told the offer was actually very competitive with what the Jets offered him. It was an offer close to two years for $40 million with $30 million guaranteed. However, something apparently went off and he ended up choosing the Jets. He also stated how it is possible Fields may have received more love from the Jets than from the Steelers’ who benched him last year for Russell Wilson.
Steelers’ $40M QB Signing Flop: Fields’ Last Season With The Steelers
Fields has started a total of 44 NFL games throughout his career. However, his four-year rookie contract which is worth $18.8 million expired during the last season. He played his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears and was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. He was named as a backup last season but still managed to start the first six games. Fields was then benched for Russell Wilson. The Steelers couldn’t win their last four regular-season games before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs.
Steelers’ $40M QB Signing Flop: Fields’ Possible Reason For Rejecting Steelers
Fields was ready to re-sign with the Steelers. However, he reportedly proposed a condition in front of the Steelers. Justin Fields wanted to be named QB1 in the Steelers. Many quarterbacks actually receive such assurances from the teams but these promises are easily forgotten when teams secure rookie first-rounders in the NFL Draft. But, Fields was seeking a guarantee and a clear commitment to his role as QB1. Pittsburgh failed to provide Fields with such a guarantee. Hence, the Steelers’ $40 M signing deal was a flop.
Steelers’ $40M QB Signing Flop: Steelers To Focus On Aaron Rodgers
Now that Justin Fields has officially rejected their $40 million offer, the Steelers are now shifting their focus to Aaron Rodgers. It is reported that the team is now all set to approach Rodgers who is currently sitting in free agency. Rodgers has also received interest from other teams like the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants.
Steelers’ $40M QB Signing Flop: Fields To Reunite With Garrett Wilson
After joining the New York Jets, Justin Fields will reunite with his college teammate Garrett Wilson who played with him at Ohio State. Fields is officially the 9th quarterback Wilson is going to play with since the Jets drafted him in 2022. This year is going to prove pretty significant for Wilson and the Jets. This is because the wide receiver is already nearing the end of his rookie contract in 2026. On the other hand, the quarterback’s decision for the Steelers is still unclear. The insiders of the team have reportedly expressed concerns about the team showing interest in Aaron Rodgers. The team does have the financial flexibility to make a move but needs to think about the options carefully.
