Bears trading Justin Fields, QB plan becomes clear
The Bears’ quarterback plan has become clear: They will draft a new field general next month (likely Caleb Williams).
On Sunday afternoon, reports surfaced that the Bears are trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team confirmed the move Sunday evening:
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 17, 2024
In return, the Bears are getting a 2025 6th-round pick that will turn into a 4th-rounder if Fields is on the field for 51% of the plays during the 2024 season.
Trade condition update: The 2025 6th-round pick that the Steelers traded to the Bears for Justin Fields will become a 4th-round pick if he plays in 51 percent of the plays this season, per source. https://t.co/mwHyivli7I
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2024
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Fields will be the Steelers’ backup behind Russell Wilson (whom Pittsburgh signed earlier this month).
It’s not exactly a happy conclusion to Fields’ time in Chicago after the Bears made him the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Fields started 38 games for the Bears over the last 3 seasons, putting up a 10-28 record in that time. He tallied 6,674 passing yards, 40 TDs and 30 interceptions while also rushing for 2,220 yards and 14 TDs.
He missed time last season with a thumb injury and went 5-8 as the starter in 13 games. He took steps forward as a passer but still averaged only 197.1 yards per game through the air and took 44 sacks.
Bears players and Fields’ former teammates reacted to the move on social media:
Business is Business
— DJ Moore (@idjmoore) March 16, 2024
🫠
— Khalil Herbert (@JuiceHerbert) March 16, 2024
Williams is seen by many as the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He threw 72 touchdown passes against only 10 interceptions over the last 2 seasons at USC.