Bears’ QB Justin Fields Traded To Steelers After Months of Speculation

Over the weekend the Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In exchange, the Bears receive a 2025 sixth-round pick that converts to a fourth-round pick if Fields plays more than half of the Steeler’s snaps next season. After months of rumors involving Chicago’s No. 1 pick and the potential selection of USC quarterback Caleb Williams, Fields leaves the Bears after three seasons.

“Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise,” Fields said in a farewell social media post. “But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!”

Fields joins Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh, as the two will fight for the starting job. Kenny Pickett was previously the team’s starter but was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles shortly after Wilson signed with the Steelers.

Even with the 25-year-old’s arrival, head coach Mike Tomlin has already said that Fields will begin the season as the backup behind Wilson. Four other teams reached out to Chicago for a trade to acquire Fields, but it is reported that the Steelers were his top and only choice.

Important note on the Justin Fields trade: At least four additional teams inquired about trading for Fields, but Fields’ representation asked for him not to be traded there. He wanted the #Steelers, and the #Bears did right by him. https://t.co/jE65yV0jzm

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2024

In the past, Fields has complimented Wilson and the fact that Pittsburgh was the only team he had his eyes on means he hopes to learn from the Super Bowl winner. Fields most likely had no other trade offers that guaranteed him a starting role, so that along with the departure of Pickett, the Steelers were his best possible option.

“I’ve always looked up to him,” Fields said about Wilson in 2021. “The kind of person he is on the field and off the field. He’s a great quarterback and a great person.”

In his three seasons with the Bears, Fields threw for a combined 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions on a 60.8% passing rate, along with racking up 2,220 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. He had his most successful season last year as he finished with 2,562 yards, 14 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions, but Chicago finished 7-10 and last in the NFC North. The Bears traded up to select Fields with the 10th overall pick in 2021, but the former Ohio State Buckeye never truly lived up to the high expectations set by management and fans.

“We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in recent weeks and believe trading Justin at this time to Pittsburgh is what is best for both Justin and the Bears,” General Manager Ryan Poles said. “We want to thank him for his tireless dedication, leadership and all he poured into our franchise and community the last three years and wish him the best towards a long and successful NFL career.”

With Chicago saying farewell to the quarterback that many believe still had potential, there looks to be only one player that will take his spot. The Bears have the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and all signs point that they’ll take Williams with that selection.

Moving to Pittsburgh, it looks as though Fields got what he wanted in the end. He’ll have to prove himself worthy of a starting role, but he gets to do it under a potential future Hall of Famer in Wilson.