Why did the Steelers bench Justin Fields? No later than the change in week 7

Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers made big changes at quarterback. First, the team signed Russell Wilson after he was released by the Denver Broncos. Then the team traded a conditional sixth-round draft pick to the Chicago Bears for Justin Fields.

The two vied for the Steelers' starting role during training camp. A week before the start of the regular season, Wilson suffered a calf injury and missed the first six games of the year.

Fields has gone 4-2 as a starter in his absence, leading the team to a tie atop the AFC North with Baltimore. This week, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced that Wilson is considering starting on “Sunday Night Football” against the New York Jets.

For this reason, the Steelers could bench Fields.

Why did the Steelers bench Justin Fields?

The team is likely moving to Wilson as the starter for a few reasons. Before his calf injury in early September, Wilson appeared ready to start for the Steelers in Week 1. If it weren't for his injury, he probably would have started.

The Steelers' 4-2 record is also due in large part to their defense. This unit ranks second in the NFL in points allowed per game and is one of the best rushing defenses in the league. The offense with Fields at the helm ranks 20th in points scored, 26th in yards allowed and ranks in the bottom half of the league in most efficiency metrics, according to SumerSports.

The conditional draft pick that Pittsburgh gave up for Fields could also be another reason. If Fields plays 51% of the Steelers' offensive snaps this season, the sixth-round draft pick becomes a fourth-round draft pick.

Opinion: It's only a matter of time before Russell Wilson takes over the Steelers' starting QB job

Justin Fields stats

In 2024, Fields has completed 106 of his 160 passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. He also has 55 rushes for 231 yards and a team-high five rushing touchdowns.

Justin Fields contract

The 25-year-old Fields still has the contract he signed with the Bears as a rookie. He is in the final year of his contract and will take a $3.2 million cap hit in 2024. Pittsburgh did not exercise his fifth-year option – included in all contracts for first-round picks – for 2025, making him a free agent after that season.

Russell Wilson contract

Wilson signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Steelers in the offseason. But that's not all he's doing this year. Wilson, 35, signed a five-year, $242 million contract with the Broncos ahead of the 2022 NFL season. With his early release, the Broncos will still pay him $53 million in 2024 and $32 million in 2025.

Why did the Steelers bench Justin Fields?

Justin Fields stats

Justin Fields contract

Russell Wilson contract

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