Steelers analyst shares how Russell Wilson can impact Justin Fields

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman and current color analyst Craig Wolfley believes spending a season as Pittsburgh's primary backup quarterback behind veteran Russell Wilson will ultimately "benefit" Justin Fields.

"This is exactly what he needs," Wolfley said about Fields during a recent appearance on "The Irish Steelers Podcast," as shared by Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "He needs a calming period where he can look at a guy...that's already done it. [Wilson has] won a Super Bowl. He's been in another Super Bowl. He's a [nine-time] Pro Bowler. The guy is 'been there, done that,' and shown how to get it done."

It's hardly a secret that individuals within the Steelers want it known that Wilson will enter training camp as Pittsburgh's unofficial starting quarterback. Neither Wilson nor Fields is signed beyond the upcoming season, but Fields turned just 25 years old this past March and could use somewhat of a reset after he accumulated an overall record of 10-28 as a starter with the Chicago Bears.

"For a young guy, sometimes you've got to reload a little bit," Wolfley continued. "Sometimes you've got to sit back and go, 'Okay, let me see what I can learn here.' It takes a little bit of humility."

People close to the Steelers repeatedly mentioned Wilson outperformed Fields in spring practices through mandatory minicamp. It was reported on Tuesday that Fields "100 percent" will have "some packages for him in this offense" assuming Wilson heads into Pittsburgh's regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8 as his club's QB1.

"You look at the great attributes that Justin Fields brings," Wolfley added. "He's got a cannon for an arm. He's got an ability to run, obviously. We know he's a dual-threat quarterback. But he needs to refine his technique and he needs to have the ability to go through his progression and anticipate the routes a little bit more."

It remains to be seen how Fields would react to spending much, if not all, of the 2024 season as a QB2. He can become an unrestricted free agent in March 2025 and could reject a return to the Steelers for what he may feel is a better opportunity regarding his long-term future.