The Baltimore Ravens’ backup quarterback situation has raised significant concerns, particularly with 38-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson as the top backup in case Lamar Jackson goes down. However, the team’s struggles to secure a more reliable option are not due to a lack of effort in addressing the issue.
At the beginning of the offseason, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields was considered one of the top trade candidates. The Pittsburgh Steelers ultimately acquired him in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick, but they were not the only team interested in bringing him aboard.
During an appearance on the “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward” podcast, Fields shared that the Ravens were among the teams that pursued him in a trade. He also mentioned the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders as additional teams that showed interest in his services.
“I’m not sure of all the teams, but you know, there were a lot of teams that had already solidified quarterbacks there,” Fields explained. He went on to mention the Chargers and Ravens as the primary teams that stood out to him. “Raiders, they talked a little bit. I don’t know too much. But a lot of the teams, they already had solidified quarterbacks, and they just got new contracts, so I wasn’t really trying to be there, ’cause I kind of know how that shakes out.”
It’s understandable that Fields would prefer a situation where he had a legitimate shot at becoming the starting quarterback. With Jackson firmly entrenched as the starter in Baltimore, it made little sense for Fields to join a team where he would remain a backup, especially given the Ravens’ quarterback situation.
From the Ravens’ perspective, pursuing Fields would have been a logical move, given the uncertainty surrounding their backup quarterback position. After losing longtime backup Tyler Huntley in the offseason, the team was left with a significant gap to fill. Fields, a former first-round pick with strong running ability, would have been an ideal backup to Jackson, particularly if he were open to accepting a secondary role.
Originally, Fields was slated to serve as the backup to Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh at the start of the season. However, an injury to Wilson unexpectedly pushed Fields into the starting role. In the three games he has played with the Steelers, Fields has completed 73.3% of his passes, amassing 518 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Additionally, he has contributed 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
While Fields’ numbers may not be eye-popping, they reflect his role in the Steelers’ offense. He has been doing exactly what the team needs from him: managing games effectively and contributing where necessary. This has resulted in the Steelers maintaining a perfect 3-0 record during his time as the starting quarterback.
Despite not putting up gaudy statistics, Fields’ performance in Pittsburgh demonstrates his value in a supporting role. The Steelers’ success is a testament to his ability to execute the offense without needing to put up big numbers. His efficiency and poise under pressure have allowed the team to remain competitive.
The Steelers’ decision to trade for Fields and the circumstances surrounding his transition to the starting role have worked out well for both parties. Fields has found himself in a situation where he can contribute to a winning team without the pressure of being the franchise quarterback. It also provides him with the opportunity to showcase his skills and further develop his game.
For the Ravens, however, the opportunity to acquire Fields in a trade could have addressed their backup quarterback needs. With the backup position still a significant concern for Baltimore, the team’s pursuit of Fields, even though it didn’t ultimately lead to a trade, shows their commitment to improving their roster depth.
Fields’ decision to decline the Ravens’ interest was understandable given the competitive nature of the quarterback position. With Jackson firmly entrenched as the starter, Fields would have had limited opportunities to showcase his talents in Baltimore. The desire to go to a team where he had a better chance of starting was a practical choice for Fields.
The Ravens’ search for a reliable backup quarterback remains ongoing, and Fields’ brief flirtation with the team only highlights how difficult it is to find a capable backup in the NFL. Even a talented quarterback like Fields, who was initially seeking a backup role, chose to pursue an opportunity with more starting potential.
Looking at the overall quarterback landscape, Fields’ situation in Pittsburgh has turned out to be beneficial for all parties involved. He’s been able to contribute to a team in need of a steady quarterback, and the Steelers have benefitted from his mobility and ability to make plays when called upon.
Fields’ versatility and potential as a backup quarterback will continue to make him an appealing option for teams like the Ravens. As his career progresses, his ability to adapt to various roles may increase his value as both a backup and potential starter, depending on the situation.
While his time with the Steelers has been brief, Fields has proven that he can be effective in a supporting role. His solid performance could open up future opportunities for him, whether that’s as a starter or as a backup for teams looking for a mobile, capable quarterback to provide depth.
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