Justin Fields, the Chicago Bears’ quarterback, was dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional draft pick.

The Chicago Bears have traded former first-round selection Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, finally finding a home for him after shopping him throughout the NFL offseason.

While Chicago openly hinted that it may keep Fields and trade the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, teams across the league were aware that a decision had already been made. The Bears will take USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall choice, rendering Fields expendable.

Justin Fields stats 2023: 86.3 QB rating, 61.4 percent completion rate, 16-9 TD-INT, 2,562 passing yards, 657 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 4 rushing touchdowns in 13 games

While Chicago hoped to trade Fields quickly, he was the last player left standing in the NFL quarterback carousel. The Steelers (Russell Wilson), Las Vegas Raiders (Gardner Minshew) and Atlanta Falcons (Kirk Cousins) already found their likely starting quarterbacks for 2024. With the New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders targeting quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, there were very few options left for Fields.

Just days after New England

dealt fellow 2021 first-round quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick, Fields is on his way to Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick next season.

Justin Fields trade details

1. Pittsburgh Steelers receive: Justin Fields

2. Chicago Bears receive: 2025 conditional sixth-round pick (can become a fourth)

Previous reports stated that the Bears would not make a definitive decision on Fields until they knew Williams would be the first overall choice. While it was widely regarded as damage management following failed attempts to trade Fields for a second-round pick, this transaction confirms that Williams will be the first overall pick in April.

While Fields will start the 2024 season as the Steelers’ backup quarterback, he may get an opportunity later on. Because Wilson is only owing the veteran’s minimum salary in 2024, Pittsburgh’s coaching staff is not financially obligated to keep him in the lineup if he struggles.