Steelers' Mike Tomlin is not responsible for losing Justin Fields: 'Was never the number one guy'

Every Pittsburgh Steelers member who has spoken to the media said the team hopes to bring back either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. 

Most insiders felt the Steelers preferred to roll with the younger and more athletic Fields. However, as the legal tampering period drew closer and no deal was announced, it became apparent that Fields wanted to test free agency. 

Test it, he did; Fields agreed to a deal with the New York Jets for two years and $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed. While the franchise may have felt Fields would offer a hometown discount or want to stay and play with well-loved and respected head coach Mike Tomlin, that didn't happen. 

He was brought to Pittsburgh to back up Wilson and got the chance he'd hoped for when the former Super Bowl winner suffered a calf injury. He started six games for the Steelers and went 4-2. While the fans were mostly pleased with his performance, Wilson was given his job back once he was healthy. 

The fact that Fields was "benched" after a solid start makes many feel like he didn't want to return. Former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden was asked about this on "The PM Team w/Poni and Mueller" on 93.7 The Fan. 

Show co-host Andrew Fillipponi told McFadden he couldn't shake the feeling Fields didn't want to return because he was benched. He asked McFadden how much blame for losing Fields can be placed on Tomlin. 

"I think it was more about the deal the Jets gave him than being benched," McFadden said. "Because we gotta remember, Justin Fields was never the number one guy, it was always Russell Wilson's job to lose. But because of the injury, he filled in as a what, backup. He filled in as a backup so it never was a quarterback controversy, it never was a quarterback legit competition. It was Russell's job to lose. So I think Justin understood that, and he played well, but it wasn't like he was playing high-level football where you didn't really think about what Russell can do in the offense. So I think it's more about the deal that he received from the Jets. You're talking about $40 million for a guy who only started six games a year ago, 4-2 in those six games, and he gets $30 million guaranteed."

McFadden said he hoped the Steelers would keep Fields. He feels he adds a dimension to the offense that the other quarterbacks in contention may not, simply because he is younger and more mobile. McFadden said that with an offensive line that is still trying to find its footing, it is helpful to have a quarterback who can pick up those extra yards or escape when necessary. 

He added that thought the Steelers should have locked Fields up before the "wolves could get in the yard." He said that perhaps they were willing to pay more than Pittsburgh, and Fields had to take what he could get with such an iffy career.

The Steelers Are Slowly Moving Into The Modern Era

While many fans are unhappy about losing Fields to the Jets, they are happy the Steelers made a big move for wide receiver DK Metcalf. 

The Steelers don't usually go all-in on big-name players like this offensively, and signing him for five years and $150 million is not something most fans expect. Of course, there are concerns that the coaching staff could have their hands full as both Metcalf and George Pickens have unique personalities. 

This does represent a step in the right direction for a Steelers offense many think has been trapped in the days of old. The Steelers have always favored a run-heavy offense, but the move for Metcalf will allow them to create an offense that presents a defensive challenge.