Justin Fields has made a move. The buzz around the former Chicago Bears quarterback has finally settled as he transitions to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move involves a trade for a 2025 sixth-round pick, which could improve to a fourth-round pick depending on Fields’ playtime, as reported by CBS Sports’ Senior NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.
The speculation around Fields’ future with the Bears had been swirling since mid-2023. It became clear the Bears were contemplating a new direction at quarterback, paving the way for Fields to start anew elsewhere. The Steelers, having shown interest in Fields for a while, are now his new home.
Upon arriving in Pittsburgh, Fields will team up with nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. Wilson’s signing came just before the Steelers’ decision to trade their former starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, to the Philadelphia Eagles. With Wilson as the starter, Fields is set to be his backup, according to ESPN.
This trade nearly confirms that the Bears will pick former USC quarterback Caleb Williams as their next starting quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. The Bears are poised to provide Williams with a solid support system, including wide receivers Keenan Allen and DJ Moore, running back D’Andre Swift, and tight end Gerald Everett.
Financially, the Steelers find themselves in a favorable position with Fields. He is in the last year of his rookie contract, carrying a cap hit of only $3.2 million. The Steelers have until May 2 to decide on picking up the fifth-year options for both Fields and running back Najee Harris.
The Steelers managed to sign Wilson for a mere $1.21 million, with the Broncos covering $39 million of his salary to not have him on their roster in 2024. This strategic financial management allows the Steelers the flexibility to enhance their roster further, potentially adding another wide receiver through free agency.
Fields’ tenure as the Bears’ starting quarterback saw him go 10-28. Despite this record, Fields exhibited moments of brilliance that justified his selection as the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Each season with the Bears saw improvements in his completion percentage. In 2022, he achieved the second-highest rushing total for a quarterback in NFL history, setting personal bests in completion percentage, passing yards, touchdown passes, and reducing his interceptions to a career-low.
Fields had a standout college career at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to two College Football Playoff appearances. His unforgettable six-touchdown game against Clemson in the 2021 Sugar Bowl remains a highlight of his college days.
Now with the Steelers, Fields is poised to unlock even more of his potential. This move comes as part of a significant overhaul of the Steelers’ quarterback lineup over the past month.