CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night, allowing them to draft a quarterback with the first overall pick – possibly USC’s Caleb Williams.

In exchange, the Bears received a 2025 sixth-round draft pick with the potential to be a fourth-rounder.

“We have had multiple trade discussions in recent weeks and believe that trading Justin to Pittsburgh now is best for both Justin and the Bears,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “We met with Justin today to tell him of the trade and its implications for us as a club.

Bears Trade Justin Fields To Steelers, Clear Way To Take A QB Such As Caleb Williams With No. 1 Pick

“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.”

Fields thanked Chicago, the franchise, and 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 wrote on his Twitter account. “I’m grateful to the whole Bears organization and ownership for allowing me to be a member of such a storied team. Most importantly, I’d like to thank all my brothers I played with. You all were the reason I approached each day in the manner I did. Despite the ups and downs, I can’t thank you all enough for what you’ve meant to me over the last three years. I wish each of you nothing but success.

“Ready for this next chapter!”

Fields is expected to back up nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on Friday. Pittsburgh also traded Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles after signing Wilson.

Wilson posted a photo of himself and Fields shaking hands with the caption: “Let’s get it @justnfields! QB room is about to be (fired).”

Fields was picked 11th overall in 2021 by the Bears and former general manager Ryan Pace but struggled as a rookie under former coach Matt Nagy. Despite making big plays with his legs and arms, he did not grow as a passer as the team had hoped over the previous two years under Poles and coach Matt Eberflus.

Over three seasons, Fields completed 578 of 958 throws for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. He has had only one 300-yard passing game in his career.

Bears Trade Justin Fields To Steelers, Clear Way To Take A QB Such As Caleb Williams With No. 1 Pick

Chicago might have gained a lot of money by trading the No. 1 pick. However, the Bears, who have historically struggled with quarterbacks, have yet to have the opportunity to choose a prospect like Williams. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is widely expected to be first overall after throwing 72 touchdown passes and only 10 interceptions in two seasons at USC, following a year at Oklahoma.

Fields’ trade comes two days after the Bears acquired Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers, their second deal for a top receiver in as many years.

Last March, they traded the first overall pick in 2023 to Carolina for DJ Moore. The Bears also received the Panthers’ first-round pick this year. And, with Carolina ending with the league’s worst 2-15 record this season, Chicago received the first overall pick.

Meanwhile, Fields gets a new start in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers overhauled their quarterback room last month, with Pickett, Mitch Trubisky (cut), and Mason Rudolph (signed with Tennessee) all gone.

President Art Rooney II emphatically stated in January that it was “time to get some wins” in the postseason. While the franchise officially supported Pickett following a year in which the former first-round pick served as Rudolph’s backup, the Steelers had no choice at the moment, with Trubisky almost certain to be a salary cap casualty and Rudolph poised to become a free agent.

Things have changed quickly, which is unusual for a squad that prides itself on consistency in a league founded on the reverse in most places.

Wilson will likely start in Week 1, giving Fields time to learn first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s playbook and restart a career that hasn’t gone as planned.

Bears Trade Justin Fields To Steelers, Clear Way To Take A QB Such As Caleb Williams With No. 1 Pick

While Fields has had accuracy concerns, he also provides the mobility that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has sought for years. Tomlin thought Pickett could provide a fraction of it. Instead, Pickett struggled to make substantial progress in his first full season as a starter in 2023. In 12 games, he threw six touchdowns and four interceptions, leaving Pittsburgh with more concerns than answers regarding its most vital position.

Four days into the new league season, those questions are vastly different.

Can Wilson restore the winning touch he showed during his tremendously successful tenure in Seattle? And will Fields develop into the player Chicago envisioned when it selected him with the 11th overall pick in 2021?

SOURCE – (AP)