The Pittsburgh Steelers have expanded their quarterback search to include Aaron Rodgers, a decision that one analyst believes could seal the fate of Justin Fields.
Fields started the 2024 season for the Steelers after fellow veteran Russell Wilson was hurt in training camp, helping the team get off to a hot start before giving up the starting job to Wilson upon his return.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on March 10 that the Steelers are exploring the idea of signing Rodgers, bringing on the former league MVP to throw to newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf.
NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the team's approach and lack of commitment has sent a strong message to Fields, who he predicted would close the door on a return to Pittsburgh.
"If I'm Justin Fields, I'm respectfully not going back to the Steelers," Orlovsky said in a March 10 appearance on "Get Up." "I did everything you asked me to do when you had me as your starting quarterback and a little bit by default maybe because of the injury in training camp to Russell Wilson. I had us at 4-2, we had beaten playoff teams, and then you benched me."
"If I'm Justin Fields, I'm respectfully not going back to the Steelers."
-@danorlovsky7 on Justin Fields pic.twitter.com/KJuI7sW36a
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 10, 2025
Orlovsky added that the Steelers never turned back to Fields, even after Wilson's hot start cooled off and the team struggled down the final stretch of the season. With the Steelers now expanding their quarterback search to include Wilson, Fields' best bet at starting will likely come elsewhere, Orlovsky suggested.
"Respectfully, I want to give myself an opportunity to play," he said.
Fields will be headed to free agency for the first time in his career and is expected to have interest beyond the Steelers. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted that both the Steelers and Fields have "discussed a reunion," but noted there is another team entering the mix.
"The #Jets' interest has percolated since before the combine," Fowler wrote in a post on X.
Related: Steelers Exploring Aaron Rodgers Amid Justin Fields, Russell Wilson Decisions
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This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 8:59 AM.