The Pittsburgh Steelers are highly unlikely to activate the fifth-year option on quarterback Justin Fields’ rookie contract, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This information has been consistently relayed by multiple sources in Pittsburgh since Fields was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears last month. General manager Omar Khan addressed the fifth-year options for Fields and running back Najee Harris on Monday, but remained noncommittal about the team’s stance. ‘We have until May 2nd to make that decision,’ Khan stated. ‘I am confident we will engage in significant discussions regarding this matter next week.’ The Steelers could potentially pursue other avenues to extend Fields’ contract beyond the fifth-year option, which is a standard provision in rookie contracts for first-round draft picks. The option’s value is calculated using a formula, and in Fields’ case, exercising it would commit the Steelers to $25 million in guaranteed compensation for his services in 2025. In exchange for Fields, the Steelers surrendered a conditional 2025 draft pick to the Bears. Pittsburgh is obligated to provide Chicago with a sixth-round selection in the future, unless Fields participates in at least 51% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps this season. If that threshold is met, the draft pick escalates to the fourth round. The Steelers anticipate a competitive quarterback battle between Fields and Russell Wilson during the upcoming offseason. Both players, along with third-string quarterback Kyle Allen, are entering the final year of their respective contracts. This article was initially published on Steelers Now and is being syndicated with consent.
Steelers Unlikely to Exercise Fifth-Year Option for Fields
