NFL expert predicts Justin Fields to Steelers because Mike Tomlin is 'wired' into Ohio State

There’s even more chatter now that suggests the Bears will deal Justin Fields to the Steelers. Another NFL writer believes Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will get the full scoop on the Chicago QB because of his ties to Ohio State.

That’s the opinion of NFL writer Albert Breer, who works for Sports Illustrated. Note that the Bears have yet to declare their plans for Fields. Chicago selected Fields, the former Ohio State star, in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. But the Bears also own the first pick of this year’s draft, which puts them in position to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams, the former Heisman winner being compared to Patrick Mahomes.

Breer wrote that “Mike Tomlin is as wired into Ohio State as any coach in the NFL, save for the guys like Mike Vrabel, who actually played there. So he’s gonna get the goods on Fields, and know what needs to be done to get the most out of him.”

Breer continued: “Add it up, and I actually think the Pittsburgh Steelers are the ideal landing spot for Fields, where he’d enter into a competition with Kenny Pickett, plus have an improving offensive line and talented group of skill players around him. I think it’d work for the Steelers, too, giving them two shots at finding a long-term answer, rather than just one, at the position. That said, there’s merit, too, to going with someone whom (new offensive coordinator Arthur) Smith knows, like (Ryan) Tannehill.”

The Steelers believed they had their long-term quarterback in Pickett. But last fall revealed problems with the offense. Pickett missed the final five games, mostly due to injury. But when he got healthy again, Tomlin still kept Mason Rudolph in the lineup.

Since the season ended, the Steelers waived backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky. There’s talk that Pittsburgh could also bring back Rudolph. Or, the team could sign former Titans starter Ryan Tannehill.

So how much would Fields cost a team? NFL analysts like Breer believe it’ll be a second rounder and possibly a third rounder.

The Bears do need to figure out what to do with Fields. Because of last year’s trade with Carolina, the Bears own the top pick of April’s draft. Basically, they own the Panthers pick. And since Carolina had the worst record in the NFL, that means No. 1.

Check out the rest of Breer’s column here.