Steelers regret Justin Fields mistake after benching, cut decisions

The Pittsburgh Steelers got an up close look at Justin Fields in Week 1 as their former QB started for the New York Jets.

It could've all been so very different with just a couple different decisions in Pittsburgh.

And maybe there's a bit of regret.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported this Saturday on X:

"Some in Pittsburgh’s building can’t help but revisit Mike Tomlin’s decision to bench Justin Fields for Russell Wilson last year after having front-row seats to Fields’ Jets debut... There were more than a few people saying 'told ya so' inside the organization."

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Fields started the first six games of the 2024 season for the Steelers. In that span, they were 4-2.

But the Steelers had only let Fields start because Russell Wilson got hurt just before Week 1. Once Wilson was ready to return, Mike Tomlin re-installed him as the starting QB.

Russ did get Pittsburgh to the playoffs, but the Steelers packed no punch and were knocked out in the first round.

After the season, the Steelers had some choices.

But they chose to cut ties with both guys. They were free agents, and the Steelers didn't make a huge effort to bring either back.

Wilson went to the Giants, and Fields to the Jets.

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Now, Fields looks like he could be at the helm of a pretty potent Jets rushing attack.

The Steelers played the waiting game and ended up with 41-year old Aaron Rodgers.

This story isn't done being written, but there's reason to believe the Steelers could've opted for a different path here.

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