Justin Fields still has MVP potential, could be Steelers' Week 1 starter over Russell Wilson, ex-NFL QB says
Fields was traded to Pittsburgh from the Bears last week
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Justin Fields is getting a new start after a treacherous three seasons in Chicago.
The Bears, the owners of the No. 1 pick and rights to Caleb Williams, traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week in exchange for a 2025 pick that could change its value based on playing time.
However, the Steelers had already signed nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal earlier in the week, leading to some confusion. Reports say Pittsburgh is set on Wilson starting and Fields backing him up, but a former NFL quarterback begs to differ.
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Bears quarterback Justin Fields warms up before the Minnesota Vikings game, Oct. 15, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Tim Hasselbeck, now an ESPN analyst, not only predicted that Fields would start by Week 10 – he says there is a chance he could even win the job in training camp.
"Justin Fields is the starter for Pittsburgh by Week 10. I think to be really bold, Week 5, but I think it eventually happens," he said on Tuesday's edition of "Get Up."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Or Week 1, for that matter, to go real bold, which maybe isn't even that out of the realm of possibilities."
Hasselbeck has long been a huge fan of Fields, and even despite a 10-28 record as the Bears starter, "nothing I've seen from him in the National Football League" has strayed him from thinking Fields has all-time talent.
Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on Oct. 5, 2023, in Landover, Maryland. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I think he has Cam Newton-like qualities. Cam Newton was a league MVP, in large part because he was a remarkable runner of the football, and that, in turn, helped him develop as a passer," Hasselbeck said. "There was a stretch where Cam was the best goal-line back in the National Football League. I think in terms of the fit with the personnel that's there, and then what Arthur Smith wants to do, I think it may be the best spot for Justin Fields to go…
"If you're not winning, there is going to be pressure to change at that position when you have a super-talented, young player waiting in the wings."
Justin Fields waves to fans after the Bears' 37-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on Dec. 31, 2023, in Chicago. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Currently, the Bears are getting back a 2025 sixth-rounder from the deal, but that will change to a fourth if Fields plays 51% of the snaps in this upcoming season.
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