Justin Fields (Photo via @MikeDeFabo/X)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has made a surprising admission in the wake of his starting role coming under threat.

With veteran QB Russell Wilson fully fit again, he’s now in the running for some snaps as it appears Fields hasn’t quite convinced head coach Mike Tomlin despite his noteworthy performances this season.

Fields spoke to reporters this Thursday and conceded that he hadn’t played well enough to strengthen his position as the team’s undisputed starter.

“I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you,” he claimed. “If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not.”

Check it out in the video below:

Justin Fields very candid today: “I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you.

“If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not.” pic.twitter.com/8eW7hH75f6

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) October 17, 2024

Fields has gone 4-2 as the Steelers quarterback this season, making 106 completions off 160 attempts for a percentage of 66.3, as well as 1,109 passing yards. He is responsible for 10 total touchdowns, throwing five scoring passes and scrambling for an additional five TDs while rushing for 231 yards.

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Although he boasts a 93.9 passer rating, some would describe his passing ability as flawed.

Justin Fields And Russell Wilson Were Competing For The Startin Job From The Start

Fields and Wilson were initially set to compete for the starting job in Pittsburgh, but the veteran sustained a calf injury in preseason that kept him out of the running. The Steelers are likely keen on finding out whether he can provide a different type of threat in their offense or improve the quality of their passing.

While Fields was the automatic starter in the wake of his injury, his return has opened competition up again.

For what it’s worth, former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t believe Fields has played himself out of the starting role.

Which 5 Trades Should The Pittsburgh Steelers Make To Improve Pass-Catchers And Support For Either Russell Wilson Or Justin Fields?

Pittsburgh Steelers trade decisions (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The NFL trade deadline is creeping up, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting on a hefty $10 million in cap space. With a solid 4-2 record, the Steelers are in a prime position to make a push for the playoffs. Omar Khan, the team’s general manager, has been patient—maybe a little too patient—but it’s only a matter of time before he makes a big splash.

It’s no secret that the Steelers’ biggest needs are at wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive end. DeMarvin Leal’s recent move to injured reserve has left a gap on the defensive front, while the offense desperately needs a reliable pass-catcher to pair with George Pickens. Whether it’s Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center, both quarterbacks could use more help from their offensive line and more weapons downfield.

Here are five trades that could make a massive difference as the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the second half of the season.

1. Get Christian Kirk From Jacksonville

Christian Kirk (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Steelers Receive: Christian Kirk, 2025 sixth-round pick
Jaguars Receive: 2025 third-round pick

Christian Kirk’s name has been floating around in trade talks, and the Steelers should jump at the opportunity to bring him to Pittsburgh. Though Kirk has been a solid contributor to the Jaguars’ offense, rookie Brian Thomas Jr. has become Trevor Lawrence’s top target. Add in Gabe Davis, who already has twice as many touchdowns as Kirk this season, and suddenly, Kirk seems more expendable.

Don’t be fooled by Kirk’s numbers through six games—he’s still a dynamic receiver with plenty of upside. Less than two weeks ago, Kirk caught all four of his targets for 88 yards and just a week before that; he hauled in seven catches and a touchdown in a close loss to the Texans. At 28 years old, Kirk is still in his prime, and while his $14.5 million base salary isn’t cheap, it’s a bargain for a receiver of his caliber in today’s market. His four-year, $72 million deal, once criticized as overpaying, now looks pretty team-friendly.

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Pairing Kirk with George Pickens would give the Steelers the versatile, productive wideout they’ve been seeking for a while. Kirk’s speed and ability to stretch the field would take some pressure off Pickens and the Steelers’ quarterbacks.

2. DeAndre Hopkins: The Proven Veteran

DeAndre Hopkins (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Steelers Receive: DeAndre Hopkins
Titans Receive: 2025 fourth-round pick

If the Steelers can’t land Kirk, they should turn their attention to DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins is 32 and coming off a less-than-ideal season, but he still has plenty left in the tank. With the Titans struggling this season, they might be willing to part ways with the five-time Pro Bowler for the right price. Hopkins is currently playing through an MCL tear, which is likely affecting his production, but that’s also why the Steelers could get him for a bargain.

Hopkins’ $8.27 million base salary is a steal compared to other elite receivers. And let’s not forget, this is the same guy who caught 75 passes for over 1,000 yards just last season. If he can get healthy, Hopkins would be the perfect veteran presence to balance out the Steelers’ receiving corps. Imagine Hopkins and Pickens lining up together—defenses would have their hands full.

3. Bring In Walker Little For Offensive Line Depth

Walker Little (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Steelers Receive: Walker Little, 2026 seventh-round pick
Jaguars Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

With rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu out for the season, the Steelers’ offensive line could use some reinforcements. Walker Little has been buried on the Jaguars’ depth chart behind Cam Robinson and rookie Javon Foster, but he’s no slouch. The 25-year-old tackle has 48 games played and 18 starts under his belt, including two playoff starts for Jacksonville in 2022.

Little would provide much-needed depth behind Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones. While he’s set to become a free agent next season, making him a potential one-year rental, he could be the difference between a stable offensive line and one that struggles down the stretch. There’s likely to be competition from other teams, but the Steelers have the draft capital to make a deal work.

4. Add Versatility With Daniel Brunskill

Daniel Brunskill (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Steelers Receive: Daniel Brunskill, 2026 sixth-round pick
Titans Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick, 2026 seventh-round pick

The Steelers’ interior offensive line has also taken some hits this season, and Daniel Brunskill could be a perfect fit. Brunskill’s versatility is his most significant selling point—he has experience playing tackle, guard, and center, and he’s been a key part of playoff teams in the past, most notably with the 49ers.

While he’s no longer a starter in Tennessee, his playoff experience and ability to fill in at multiple positions make him a valuable asset for any team looking to shore up their line. The Titans might be reluctant to part with him, but the Steelers should at least make the call.

5. Boost the Defensive Line With Deatrich Wise Jr.

Deatrich Wise Jr. (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Steelers Receive: Deatrich Wise Jr.
Patriots Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

With DeMarvin Leal on injured reserve, the Steelers need help on the defensive line. Deatrich Wise Jr., a longtime member of the Patriots, could be a smart, low-cost option. Wise is a seasoned veteran with 31 career sacks, including 7.5 sacks just two seasons ago. Despite seeing a reduced role this year, Wise still has two sacks, proving he can still get after the quarterback.

At 30 years old, Wise might not be a long-term solution, but he could provide valuable depth for the rest of the season. His leadership qualities also make him a strong locker-room presence, something the Pittsburgh Steelers always value.