The Chicago Bears made sure to accommodate Justin Fields by trading the young quarterback to a team of his liking.
On Saturday, the Bears traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that will be upgraded to a fourth-rounder if he plays 51 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there were “at least four” other clubs who contacted the Bears about a trade for Fields. However, Fields’ camp requested that he not be traded to any of those clubs, so the Bears honored his wish by sending the 25-year-old to Pittsburgh.
The Fields trade came days after the Steelers signed nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson to a one-year pact for the veteran’s minimum following his release from the Denver Broncos. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already informed Fields that Wilson will be the starting QB next season.
A looming Justin Fields trade had been expected ever since the Bears secured the first overall pick (via the Carolina Panthers). With Fields gone, the Bears will presumably use the No. 1 selection on USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Justin Fields Had A Career Year In 2023
After frustrating rookie and sophomore seasons, Justin Fields managed to show signs of stardom by putting together his best season in 2023.
The arrival of wide receiver D.J. Moore made a big-time difference for Fields, who made strides as a passer in year three. The Ohio State product completed 61.4 percent of pass attempts for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Fields, of course, would have had even better stats last season if he didn’t miss four games to injury. On top of those improved passing numbers, Fields rushed for 657 yards and four touchdowns.
A year ago, nobody could have predicted that both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson would be members of the Steelers. Fast forward to March 2024, and the Steelers suddenly have a very compelling QB room that just might help them get back to championship contention.