The Bears are making their quarterback situation clearer than ever.
Chicago traded Justin Fields to the Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick, Pittsburgh announced Saturday.
The draft pick going back to the Bears can become a fourth-rounder if Fields plays 51 percent of the snaps in 2024, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Justin Fields is headed to Pittsburgh. APFields thanked Chicago and the organization, as well as his teammates in a post on X.
“Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me,” he tweeted. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success.
“Ready for this next chapter!”
This week, the Steelers added Russell Wilson in free agency on a one-year deal and traded Kenny Pickett to the Eagles.
A source told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Saturday after the Fields trade that Wilson “is the starter.”
ESPN reported that there will not be a competition between Wilson and Fields, meaning the ex-Broncos and Seahawks quarterback is likely the No. 1 signal-caller going into this season.
Wilson posted on X that he is thrilled Fields is coming to Pittsburgh.
“Let’s get it @justnfields!” Wilson wrote on X Saturday. “QB room bout to be [fire emoji].”
USC quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during a game last season. APFields has told people he is ready for a fresh start, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported.
The Bears, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, are expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
The trade ends Fields’ Chicago tenure that started out with high hopes but largely underwhelmed.
“We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in recent weeks and believe trading Justin at this time to Pittsburgh is what is best for both Justin and the Bears,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “Today we spoke to Justin to inform him of the trade and the rationale behind it for us as a club.
“We want to thank him for his tireless dedication, leadership and all he poured into our franchise and community the last three years and wish him the best towards a long and successful NFL career.”
The Ohio State product was the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL and, at times, flashed some brilliance, but struggled behind a weaker offensive line.
In 2022, he threw for 17 touchdowns and rushed for eight more but was sacked a league-high 55 times.
In 13 games this past season, Fields threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions with an 86. 3 quarterback rating.
He added 657 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Despite a push at the end of the season, the Bears finished with a 7-10 record and outside the playoff picture.
Russell Wilson waits during an NFL football news conference in Pittsburgh on Friday. APFields addressed the trade in a post on X, thanking the Bears and the city of Chicago.
Holding the No. 1 pick they acquired from the Panthers in a trade last year, the Bears are now primed to take Williams — the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner at first overall.
Poles said at the scouting combine that if Chicago were to trade Fields, it would come at the start of free agency.
“If we go down that road, I want to do right by Justin as well,” Poles said at the end of February in Indianapolis.
“No one wants to live in grey. I know that’s uncomfortable. I wouldn’t want to be in that situation, either. So, we will gather the information. We will move as quickly as possible. We are not going to be in a rush, and see what presents itself and what’s best for the organization.”
The Bears didn’t make the trade right at the outset of the new league year, but did within the first week of free agency.
If Williams does end up on the Bears, he will have star wideouts D.J. Moore and newly acquired Keenan Allen in the fold.
Though rumors swirled that Williams did not want to be selected by the Bears, he told ESPN at the end of February that he would welcome it if they did.
“If I get drafted by the Bears, I’ll be excited,” Williams told the outlet.
“If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I’m just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they’d be excited.”
