In a surprising move this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many believed that Fields, with his 38 career starts in his first three seasons, would be a highly sought-after candidate. However, the seemingly low compensation for the trade has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about how Fields is viewed by the league.

Greg Cosell, during an episode of the Xs And Os Show With Greg Cosell, shared his thoughts on the Fields trade. According to him, the league's willingness to let Fields go for such a minimal cost suggests concerns about his ability to see the field and make plays from the pocket. Cosell stated, "Clearly the league felt that he's so poor in that area that he, I guess he's irredeemable as far as the league is concerned... No one saw him as a starting quarterback."

Cosell's argument centers around the fact that the compensation for Fields was significantly lower than what other teams paid for starting or backup quarterbacks this offseason. His completion percentage, though improving each year, still sits at a modest 61.4 percent. Additionally, Fields has yet to throw for 20 or more touchdowns in a season, with his career-high being 17 in 2022.

Film study conducted by Steeler Depot's Alex Kozora highlighted Fields' tendency to make big negative plays, including being sacked frequently and turning the ball over. The Steelers, known for their reliance on limiting negative plays on offense, will need Fields to address these issues in order to find success in Pittsburgh.

While Cosell acknowledges Fields' flaws, he believes that he can still be a starting quarterback in the league. Noting Fields' ability to create big plays and be a threat in the ground game, Cosell maintains that Fields can be effective if utilized correctly.

As the Steelers look to the future, they are hopeful that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith can do for Fields what he did for Ryan Tannehill with the Tennessee Titans. The team is banking on Fields overcoming his struggles and becoming a quality starting quarterback. Even a fourth-round pick in next year's draft would be considered a worthwhile investment if it leads to finding that elusive franchise quarterback.

Overall, the trade of Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers has ignited a debate about his potential as a starting quarterback. While concerns about his ability to read the field and limit negative plays exist, some believe that with the right coaching and utilization of his skills, Fields can prove the doubters wrong. The upcoming season will provide an opportunity to see if he can thrive and establish himself as a true starting quarterback in the NFL.