Former Bears executive names 'main problem' with QB Justin Fields' game

The Steelers acquiring QB Justin Fields from Chicago for just a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick is still one of the most surprising moves of the offseason.

Former Bears director of player personnel Josh Lucas, who was on the staff that drafted Fields, has revealed why he believes the price was so low for the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

"Our main concern was: 'Is this just a two-year starting quarterback in college that needs more time? ... Or is this like a lack of instinct?' That was our big question, and after three years, I would say there's a little bit of an instinct issue there," Lucas said on "PFF NFL Podcast." "It's why I think the league just told you he's viewed as a backup quarterback right now more than a starting quarterback."

Fields has had his ups and downs during the first three years of his young NFL career, but Pittsburgh's decision to trade a future late-round pick for him was a no-brainer. The team has completely rebuilt its quarterback room this offseason.

The 25-year-old has flashed his upside, throwing for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He must now learn how to play more consistently.

Luckily for Fields, he'll have an opportunity to do just that behind Super Bowl-winning QB Russell Wilson, who's done it for 12 years.

Pittsburgh seems determined not to rush Fields back into the starting lineup. Head coach Mike Tomlin has said several times that Wilson has the "pole position" for the starting job.

The Steelers look ready to win now, and Wilson gives them the best chance to do that, but how long is the question?

Wilson will turn 36 this season while Fields just turned 25 in March. Neither player is under contract in 2025, so it seems Pittsburgh will get a good look at both this year.

Whether Wilson plays well or not, Pittsburgh is clearly hoping it can unlock Fields' full potential and develop him to be its next franchise quarterback.

"Oh my god, man, he oozes talent and potential," Tomlin told reporters. "There's a lot of meat left on that bone and I'm excited about working on extracting it."