New York, NY – March 21, 2025
Justin Fields didn’t hold back after inking a deal with the New York Jets, unleashing a scathing critique of his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, just hours after signing a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. The former Steelers quarterback, who spent the 2024 season in Pittsburgh, took aim at the organization’s handling of his tenure, signaling a bitter end to his brief stint in the Steel City.
A New Chapter with the Jets
Fields, 26, finalized his move to the Jets on Wednesday, a deal first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, marking his departure from Pittsburgh after one tumultuous season. The contract, brokered during the NFL’s legal tampering period, positions Fields as the Jets’ starting QB1 under new head coach Aaron Glenn, replacing the recently released Aaron Rodgers. With a talented supporting cast including Garrett Wilson—his former Ohio State teammate—Fields expressed excitement about the fresh start, but it was his parting shots at the Steelers that stole the headlines.
Fields Unleashes on Pittsburgh
Speaking to reporters via Zoom shortly after the signing, Fields didn’t mince words about his former team. “I gave everything I had to Pittsburgh, but it felt like they never really believed in me,” he said, his frustration palpable. “They brought me in to compete, then benched me the second Russell [Wilson] was healthy. It’s like they were just waiting for an excuse to move on—talk about a lack of trust.”
Fields’ 2024 season with the Steelers saw him start six games, posting a 4-2 record with 1,106 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and just 1 interception, alongside 289 rushing yards and 5 scores. Despite the solid stats, head coach Mike Tomlin opted to reinstate Wilson as QB1 in Week 7, relegating Fields to a backup role—a decision Fields now calls “short-sighted.” “I proved I could win games and protect the ball, but apparently that wasn’t enough for them,” he added. “Good luck finding another QB with my upside on a bargain deal.”
The comments come amid reports from Steelers Depot that Pittsburgh had offered Fields a “competitive” contract to stay—rumored to be in the $35-40 million range over two years—but he chose the Jets instead. Sources suggest Fields felt more “love” from New York, where Glenn’s familiarity with his game from NFC North matchups and a clear path to the starting job sealed the deal.
Fallout in Pittsburgh
Fields’ remarks have sparked a firestorm among Steelers Nation, with fans and analysts divided. On X, reactions ranged from support—“Fields is right, Tomlin played it safe with Wilson instead of building around him” (@SteelCityFan)—to dismissal—“He’s just salty he couldn’t hack it here” (@BurghFaithful). The Steelers, now left with Mason Rudolph as their only signed QB, face mounting pressure to secure a starter, with rumors swirling around Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.
For Fields, the move to the Jets offers a chance to reclaim his narrative after years of flux with the Chicago Bears and a rollercoaster 2024 in Pittsburgh. “I’m done being a backup or a stopgap,” he declared. “New York’s giving me the keys, and I’m ready to drive this team to wins—something Pittsburgh didn’t trust me to do.” As the Steelers lick their wounds, Fields’ exit leaves a lingering question: did they let a franchise QB slip through their fingers?
