Another shift has occurred in the quarterback landscape.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired Justin Fields, a former first-round selection, from the Chicago Bears, according to a source familiar with the transaction who spoke to USA TODAY Sports.
The source requested anonymity as they were not cleared to publicly discuss the trade details.
In exchange, the Steelers will give the Bears a sixth-round pick in 2025, which could turn into a fourth-round pick. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the pick will upgrade to a fourth-rounder if Fields participates in at least 51% of the offensive plays this season.
This trade happened just a day after the Steelers sent Kenny Pickett, their 2022 first-round pick, to the Philadelphia Eagles. This move seemed to clear the path for Russell Wilson, a free agent acquisition, to become the starting quarterback. However, bringing in Fields adds an interesting twist to the Steelers’ offseason plans.
Despite reports that Wilson is still set to lead the team in 2024, Fields, who is only 25, presents a promising option for the Steelers’ future quarterback position. Selected 11th overall in 2021, Fields has shown glimpses of his potential during his three years with the Bears. It’s still uncertain how the quarterback situation will unfold.
Even with Wilson expected to start this year, Fields offers the Steelers a glimpse into a potential future at quarterback. His performance in Chicago, though inconsistent, included moments of brilliance. The outcome of this new dynamic remains to be seen.
For the Bears, the strategy is straightforward: With Fields moving on, they plan to select a quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. Caleb Williams, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and played for USC, is the anticipated choice.