The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to have two legitimate options for their starting quarterback spot for the 2025 season. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought to Pittsburgh ahead of the 2024 season on bargain deals.

Coming into the NFL offseason, Pittsburgh thought it would be able to bring back Justin Fields. They believed that based on a mistaken belief that ended up leading to him departing to the New York Jets on a two-year, $40 million contract. That mistaken belief was revealed by NFL reporter Gregg Rosenthal.

That is largely the reason Fields is now a Jet. The Steelers did not guarantee Fields anything beyond the first year, and as a result, he had no long-term security. With the Jets, Fields at least have the security of knowing he will be there for both years of his contract, and even if he is cut, he will see the rest of the money.