Justin Fields has always been a hot commodity. But who knew he was THIS hot? The Steel City’s decision to pass on Fields’ $25M fifth-year option has sent shockwaves through the league. But before he even landed in Pittsburgh, the 25-year-old was already caught up in a college football soap opera that’d make even the juiciest reality TV drama look tame.

In a recent tweet dropped by the NFL Rumors X account, the QB himself said that Ohio State boosters were throwing around big cash and cars to lure him away from Georgia. “I was gonna stay in Georgia, but Ohio was offering me bags of cash to transfer. I’m talking 300, 400 grand in cash. Plus a Benz. And this was before the new rules.”

Now, after being traded from the Bears for a conditional sixth-round pick, the two-time Big Ten QB of the Year is on an incredibly cheap deal for the Steelers. With a cap hit of just $3.2M this year, Pittsburgh got a steal. But with the fifth-year option off-table, Fields’ future in the Steel City is kinda uncertain. 

Will they extend him, or will they let him hit free agency?

Will the Steel City extend Justin Fields’ contract?

After acquiring Fields from Chicago, Pittsburgh had to weigh their options. With presumptive starter Russell Wilson on a one-year deal and the only rookie addition being undrafted free agent John Rhys Plumlee (who’s not expected to start), Ohio State’s champ is in a prime spot to land a second contract.

Looking at similar vibes, Jordan Love in Green Bay is the perfect comparison. The Packers gave him a one-year, $13.5M extension as a prove-it deal, and Love totally delivered, having his best season ever. Now he’s signed a four-year, $220M deal with the Packers.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly suggested a similar deal for Fields ain’t likely, citing the team’s lack of confidence compared to the Packers’ faith in Love. Kaboly pointed out: “The Packers gave Love $13.5M to keep him around another year, but they were more confident he was going to be their QB of the future than what the Steelers feel about Fields after 12 practices in shorts. I don’t think the Steelers would touch that number, but they would have to entice him enough to make him want to sign.”

So, what’s it going to take for Justin Fields to stay in Pittsburgh? If he shines, the Steelers might regret not locking him down sooner. If he doesn’t, his next contract could be far less lucrative. The ball is in Fields’ court—time to make or break his future in the Steel City.