Justin Fields is not going back.
Fields, who has played well enough that it’s possible he remains the Steelers’ quarterback even when Russell Wilson is cleared to return, believes he’s better coached now than he ever was in Chicago.
In an appearance on “Not Just Football” with long-time Steeler Cam Heyward, the quarterback was asked which franchise has the better coaching.
“Pittsburgh,” he said, “it’s not close.”
Fields spent the first three seasons of his career before being dealt to Pittsburgh this offseason for a conditional sixth-round pick that can become a fourth-round pick based on playing time.
In his last year with the Bears, he entered the campaign as a sexy bet to win NFL MVP in a revamped Bears offense but finished with 2,562 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, with an additional 657 yards on the ground and four rushing touchdowns in 13 starts.
With the Bears holding the No. 1 pick and star USC quarterback Caleb Williams the top draft prospect, Fields knew his days were numbered in the Windy City.
“I kinda had a feeling I was gonna get traded,” Fields said. “You know, after the season, you have to go to exit meetings. They kept it pretty brief, they said, ‘Tricky situation right here. A situation that we’ve never been in.’ … It’s two different conversations when you’re in the same situation (having the No. 1 pick in the draft). You kinda get the feeling of what’s gonna happen.”
There doesn’t seem to be much ill-will on Fields’ part for the unceremonious exit.
“At that point, it’s just training and, shoot, just wondering where you’re gonna go,” he continued. “They kinda didn’t do me too bad by letting me choose where I want to be. I’m just glad I was able to end up here.”
Fields is in the final year of his rookie deal after the Steelers declined his $25 million option for next season, but he could remain the long-term starter if he signs an extension following the 2024 campaign.
The Ohio State alum has helped engineer a 3-0 start to the season for the Steelers, who sit alone atop the AFC North as Week 4 is underway.
He has thrown for 518 yards this season and has completed 73.3 percent of his passes, adding two passing touchdowns to just one interception, with a career low 1.3 interception percentage.
On the ground, Fields has accumulated 90 yards across 28 carries, including seven first downs, and he’s also ran one in for a score.
The Steelers are in Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 4.