Mike Tomlin describes Justin Fields' departure from Steelers to the Jets a 'mutual' decision

Justin Fields’ leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers for the New York Jets at the outset of free agency was a “mutual” parting, Steeler coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

Fields started the first six games of the 2024 season for the Steelers, compiling a 4-2 record, before losing his job in favor of former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. Fields didn’t start another game and, like Wilson, left the Steelers for a New York-based team.

Fields received a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency, with $30 million guaranteed, terms the Steelers declined to match.

“It’s free agency. It was not only our decision; it was his decision,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “It was mutual. There are a lot of moving parts in free agency.”

Fields will face his former team Sunday in the NFL’s season-opening weekend. Coincidentally, the Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, will be facing the team with which he spent the 2023-24 seasons after 18 years in Green Bay.

Fields rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns in his six starts, and he finished as the team’s third-leading rusher with 289 yards.

“He didn’t do a lot of runs by design in the preseason, but it’s reasonable to expect them to have a designed running game for him,” Tomlin said. “He had it in Chicago, he had it with us. If you have a guy with his type of talents, it’s somewhat common sense to have some designed run game for the quarterback position to make people play 11-on-11 football.”

Tomlin used the term “unique” several times to describe Fields, who was traded to the Steelers in March 2024 after spending three seasons with the Chicago Bears.

“He’s unique because he is who he is,” Tomlin said. “He’s stronger than most mobile quarterbacks. That’s a component of his game that I think is unique. He’s a really talented guy physically. He’s not easy to bring down. He has a solid base about him. He’s big.”

Serving seconds

Calvin Austin is listed as the starting No. 2 wide receiver in the initial regular-season depth chart. DK Metcalf is the top receiver, and Tomlin has Pat Freiermuth “or” Jonnu Smith listed as starting tight ends.

The search for a dependable No. 2 receiver was a season-long issue for the Steelers in 2024 and regained steam when George Pickens was traded to Dallas in May.

“I’m extremely confident in him,” Tomlin said, referring to Austin, “but I’m equally confident in Roman Wilson and Jonnu and Freiermuth. There has been a lot of speculation and narratives about the No. 2. In today’s game, it comes at you in a lot of ways. We have a lot of unique depth and talent at the tight end position.”

Austin totaled 36 catches for 584 yards and four touchdowns last season. Those all represented career highs.

“Calvin is growing and has grown, and he made big strides year ago,” Tomlin said. “I also was really excited about Roman Wilson in team development. I’m less concerned who occupies the No. 2 position. It could be a variety of people depending on circumstances. A talent like DK dictates a lot of schematics. His presence is going to provide opportunities for others.”

Injury report

First-round pick Derrick Harmon (knee) is the only player that Tomlin said is out for the opener. Backup outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, is listed as questionable.

“He had a really good day yesterday,” Tomlin said. “We’ll leave the door ajar for him.”

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) and Austin (abdominal) did not play in the preseason, but they have returned to full participation in practice.

“We’re largely a healthy group,” Tomlin said. “We don’t anticipate any of those guys’ ability being in any way questionable.”

Roster move

The Steelers announced they released veteran wide receiver Robert Woods from the practice squad. Woods is a 13-year veteran who was given a $745,000 bonus to sign in May, but he lost out on the No. 5 WR job to Scotty Miller.