Justin Fields’ supposed ‘warning’ amid Steelers trade rumors isn’t that at all

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields was in favor of Russell Wilson prior to last week’s win over the New York Jets. Wilson looked as capable as ever, which meant he should get another chance Monday night against the New York Giants. He earned it the hard way.

Pittsburgh’s offense looked capable in several ways with Wilson. For Fields, the passing game was limited. Thanks to Wilson’s ability to expand the field with his patented “moonball,” George Pickens was more involved in the offense, and the defense must respect the Steelers passing attack moving forward. This opens up more rushing lanes for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

Mike Tomlin has made the right choice for now. Fields performed extremely well in his six games as a starter – Tomlin and Wilson even admitted as much after the game. So could Fields be on his way at the NFL trade deadline? Not so fast, my friends.

As much as other QB-needy teams want Fields, he’s a good fit in Pittsburgh. Wilson battled a calf injury earlier this season and Fields is a cheap insurance policy for the Steelers. He’s also a developmental project the Steelers could use after this season if they like what they’ve seen in practice. He’s just not the best candidate to run the Steelers offense at this exact moment.

Fields caused some controversy when he posted a message on his Instagram Story that some took as a warning message. The message simply read: “PATIENT WAITING” in all caps. Now I can certainly see how that could be read as a disgruntled former starter wanting an opportunity. But from everything Fields has said publicly, he sounds pretty happy in Pittsburgh with a competent offensive coaching staff.

“I don’t think I played well enough to be honest with you,” Fields said. “If I’m honest with myself, if I play well enough, I don’t think there would be any question about who should play and who shouldn’t.”

Fields opportunities are coming, whether with Pittsburgh next season or elsewhere. He’s in the final year of his contract, and growing behind Wilson — and taking it slow, rather than forcing his way — will play to his advantage in the long run. Look no further than Sam Darnold this season with the Minnesota Vikings for proof of that.

Darnold was beloved in the San Francisco 49ers locker room last season and earned a second chance with Minnesota this year. He made the most of that, just like Fields was able to do in 2025.