NFL Rumors: Steelers Wanted Justin Fields 'At Their Price' Before $40M Jets Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping to keep Justin Fields in free agency, but they were only willing to go so far to make it happen.

Per The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, the Steelers wanted Fields "at their price" rather than try to match any offers he received.

It turns out a team was willing to go above what the Steelers were because Fields agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal that includes $30 million guaranteed with the New York Jets in free agency on Monday.

Fields spent the 2024 season in Pittsburgh after being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears. He started the first six games of the regular season while Russell Wilson was out with a calf injury.

After the 2024 season ended, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said his "preference" was to bring back either Fields or Wilson. He did note that trying to bring both was unlikely given how much they are likely to make in free agency.

Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports did note Pittsburgh's offer to Fields included no guaranteed money after the first season.

Per Over the Cap, Fields' deal with the Jets contains $10 million guaranteed in 2026. The value of the deal suggests he will be their starter going in the 2025 campaign, though they could also look to add a quarterback early in the draft.

The Steelers are still in the process of figuring out their quarterback situation for next season after missing out on Fields. Wilson remains a free agent and could be an option.

Aaron Rodgers has been heavily linked to Pittsburgh with his release from the Jets likely to become official when the new league year begins on Wednesday.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported the Steelers and Rodgers could have an agreement in place as soon as Tuesday.

Despite posting a 4-2 record in his six starts, Fields was demoted after Wilson's calf healed. He threw for 1,106 yards, ran for 289 yards and accounted for 10 touchdowns in 10 appearances.

The Steelers finished 10-7 and made the playoffs as a wild card in the AFC. They lost 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round.