QB Justin Fields considered trades with the Raiders, Steelers, Vikings, and Falcons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as a top destination for quarterback Justin Fields before the Chicago Bears dealt him to the Steelers this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, among the teams on Fields’ radar when it became clear that the Bears were looking to move him were the Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons. This move happened as the Bears were preparing to draft a quarterback—likely USC’s Caleb Williams—with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
On March 16, the Bears reached an agreement with the Steelers, sending Fields to Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. This pick could become a fourth-rounder if Fields plays 51 percent or more of the Steelers’ offensive snaps in 2024.
Fields was originally picked by the Bears with the 11th overall choice in the 2021 NFL draft, with the aim of becoming the franchise quarterback the organisation had long wanted, similar to Hall of Famer Sid Luckman from the 1940s.
During his time as starter, Fields had flashes of greatness, most notably rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. Despite missing four games due to injury, he had his finest passing season in 2023, completing 61.4% of his passes for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
However, with Fields at the helm, the Bears struggled to win games, finishing 10-28 in his 38 starts, including 5-8 last season. The Bears’ decision to trade Fields and potentially select Williams as their new franchise quarterback demonstrates a strategic shift in approach.
During his time as starter, Fields had flashes of greatness, most notably rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. Despite missing four games due to injury, he had his finest passing season in 2023, completing 61.4% of his passes for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
However, with Fields at the helm, the Bears struggled to win games, finishing 10-28 in his 38 starts, including 5-8 last season. The Bears’ decision to trade Fields and potentially select Williams as their new franchise quarterback demonstrates a strategic shift in approach.
Both the Raiders and Vikings remain in the running to add quarterbacks early in the draft, indicating a preference for that avenue over acquiring Fields.
In Pittsburgh, Fields begins his journey as the clear backup to Wilson. However, there remains the possibility for Fields to take over should Wilson struggle or sustain an injury. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, has faced challenges in recent years, particularly during his tenure with the Denver Broncos.
Despite making the playoffs as a wild card last season, the Steelers struggled at quarterback. As a result, even mediocre performance from Wilson in 2024 would be a major improvement.
Nonetheless, if Wilson fails to fulfil expectations, Fields may embrace the opportunity to show himself and possibly gain a long-term position with the Steelers.
The Steelers’ purchase of Fields represents a low-risk, high-reward move, allowing Fields to rebuild his worth in a new setting.
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