When the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 season came to a disappointing conclusion with yet another first round postseason loss, the first question asked was who would be the Steelers' starting quarterback for 2025. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were given opportunities to show Head Coach Mike Tomlin what they could do during their chances to start in 2024, and the team insisted they wanted one of them to return.
Fields surprised nearly everyone when he got the team off to a 4-2 start. He looked like he was improving each week and building trust with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. He and receiver George Pickens were also building chemistry. It seemed like the Chicago Bears had somewhat misjudged Fields.
That's why so many were surprised when Tomlin insisted on returning Wilson to his starting job. Once again, no one should have been surprised. Tomlin is always loyal to his veterans and made it clear that Wilson was his guy and had "pole position" as the starter. Wilson got off to a very hot start, and Fields was forgotten. Once the season began to sour and the Steelers were on a total losing streak, Fields' name reemerged, with fans angry he'd been sat.
Fields seemed to be the favorite to return in 2025, but they could not negotiate a deal, so he signed with the New York Jets. On his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, the longtime veteran and fan favorite, Cameron Heyward, was asked by his co-host Hayden Walsh about losing players like Fields.
"I didn't know where Justin was going to end up," admitted Heyward. "I didn't know if we were going to sign him. I still don't know who we're signing. Excited for Justin. Justin was a professional last year. He didn't have to act the way he did through it all; he chose to. I think it was just refreshing to hear a player be honest, but understand the football game. He's going to have a chance to win; he's got Garrett Wilson out there, [Allen] Lazard, and Breece Hall. Just looking for Justin to really thrive and give him opportunities. I think Justin will do that, given that."
Walsh said he, like many fans, was hoping the Steelers would re-sign Fields and was disappointed to see him go to the Jets. However, he agreed that Fields was a consummate professional throughout the season. Instead of "pouting or being upset" at getting "benched," he continued to encourage and support in any way he could. That included Fields occasionally coming in for a designed quarterback run play.
Some insiders have pushed back on calling it "benching" since it technically wasn't ever Fields' job. He was a backup filling in for an injured starter. However, it certainly felt like Fields' job during those first six weeks.
Steelers' Cameron Heyward Said It's Hard To Say Goodbye
One-helmet guys like Heyward are the exception rather than the norm in today's NFL. Instead, it is common to see guys go to other teams via free agency or a trade, especially after their rookie contracts are up.
Heyward admitted it is hard to see guys you really respect go on to other teams, and he's seen a lot of movement in his 14 seasons. He told Walsh that his former teammate Casey Hampton used to wait to learn guy's names until after training camp was over. Heyward said he doesn't necessarily think that is the correct approach, but he understands not wanting to invest in guys emotionally when there is so much turnover. He added you have to be open to understanding that this is still a business, and you can't take it personally.
