One Pittsburgh Steelers insider believes the team’s quarterback competition isn’t serious.

PITTSBURGH — Justin Fields had his best season yet as the Chicago Bears quarterback in 2023, amassing 3,217 yards (both passing and rushing) and 20 total touchdowns. Despite playing only 13 of 17 possible games, Fields seemed set to lead the Bears. However, the Bears opted for the highly-touted Caleb Williams as their quarterback, leaving Fields to find a new team.

Fields ended up with the Pittsburgh Steelers, serving as the backup to Russell Wilson, formerly of the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. This transition has raised concerns about Fields’ future as a starting NFL quarterback. Ray Fittipaldo, a Steelers analyst for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, believes these concerns are overblown.

“A lot of it has to do with agents and what they feed to the national reporters. I think Justin Fields’ agent wants people to believe that Justin is in this and that he’s still a viable quarterback on the open market,” Fittipaldo said on 93.7 The Fan’s Joe Starkey Show. “Whatever happens this year, whether he’s sitting on the bench all season, I think his agent wants to keep his name hot. It’s only natural for your rep to do this. Part of this is on the Steelers too, right? Because [Wilson and Fields] are both only signed to one-year contracts.”

Fields has a significant advantage over Wilson due to his age, as Fields will be 25 entering the season, compared to Wilson, who will be 35. This season is more crucial for Wilson, who must prove he can still compete at a high level, whereas Fields, with his youth and rushing talent, is likely to secure a contract after this season regardless of his performance.