The vast majority of the football world knew that quarterback Justin Fields’ time in Chicago was coming to an end.
Expected to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, we knew it was only a matter of time before the Bears shipped Fields out of town.
Sure enough, Fields now finds himself in Pittsburgh where he’ll enter training camp as the backup behind Russell Wilson.
JF loves Pittsburgh. Excited to see his growth with Mike Tomlin💛🖤pic.twitter.com/oSfOKHrwL1
— Justin Fields Fan Club (@JustinFieldsFC) April 1, 2024
Receiving only a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick in return (which could potentially escalate to a fourth-rounder), it’s safe to say the trade market for Fields wasn’t nearly as strong as what Bears general manager Ryan Poles was hoping for.
It raises the question: Who else (if anyone) was truly interesting in trading for Fields???
Interestingly, Fields reportedly had four preferred destinations that he made Poles aware off: Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Las Vegas and the rival Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota #Vikings were one of the four teams that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields asked to be traded to. 👀🤷 #SKOL pic.twitter.com/ZBQOXbGEje
— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) April 1, 2024
According to ESPN, interest was not mutual when it came to the Vikings. Despite Fields wanting to play for the NFC North rival, Minnesota never seriously considered the possibility.
“The Steelers were one of four teams on Fields’ radar prior to the start of free agency, along with the Vikings, Raiders, and Falcons, a source familiar with Fields’ thinking said,” ESPN’s Brook Pryor reported.
While Pryor didn’t delve into specifics regarding discussions between the Bears and the Vikings, it’s speculated that the Vikings were aware of Fields’ interest.
However, the complexities of acquiring Fields would have posed a challenge for Minnesota, especially given their aggressive pursuit of a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Clearly, the #Vikings weren't interested in Justin Fields… but that doesn't mean he wasn't interested in them. https://t.co/RpmoRcAu8K
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 1, 2024
Prior to signing Kirk Cousins, the Falcons were thought to be a realistic landing spot for the Georgia-native.
Meanwhile, much like Minnesota, Las Vegas never seriously pursued trade discussions for Fields.
The developments left Mike Tomlin and the Steelers with an opportunity they felt was too good to pass up.
Justin Fields > Lamar Jackson.
There.
I said it.#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/irKKNT1I5q
— 𝓦𝓲𝔃𝔃𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 ✰ (@ZappedByZay) April 1, 2024
What are your thoughts on Fields?
Do you think he’s truly capable of being a franchise quarterback in the league? … Or is he more “career backup” type material?
Will he take meaningful snaps for the Steelers next season? … If so, will they be because of injury to Wilson – or ineffectiveness???