After months of speculation regarding the immediate future of star quarterback Justin Fields, the Chicago Bears were finally able to trade the 25-year-old elsewhere, as they agreed to a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ironically enough, the Steelers had only just signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal and traded Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles shortly after that.
The Steelers trading for Fields was the last thing that anyone expected, as many believed he’d be moved to a team where he could be a starter right away.
The Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders were among teams that were thought to be interested in trading for Fields, but neither scenario came to fruition or even came close, it seems.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network recently provided some insight on how the Fields trade to the Steelers ended up happening, as he actually wanted to end up in Pittsburgh, with four other unnamed teams interested in his services.
“Important note on the Justin Fields trade: At least four additional teams inquired about trading for Fields, but Fields’ representation asked for him not to be traded there. He wanted the #Steelers, and the #Bears did right by him,” Rapoport tweeted.
Important note on the Justin Fields trade: At least four additional teams inquired about trading for Fields, but Fields’ representation asked for him not to be traded there. He wanted the #Steelers, and the #Bears did right by him. https://t.co/jE65yV0jzm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2024
With so much player movement since the start of NFL free agency, there are plenty of scenarios that might have been on the table for Fields, like possibly being Matthew Stafford’s backup with the Los Angeles Rams, which ended up being Jimmy Garoppolo, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders are another team that might’ve shown interest in Fields, but they ended up signing Gardner Minshew.
Another option might’ve been the Denver Broncos, who still haven’t made a move to address the departure of Wilson, but they may be content with Jarrett Stidham.
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