The Bears have made a second blockbuster trade, and it involves a quarterback this time around.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are acquiring QB Justin Fields from Chicago via trade, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday, per sources.
The Bears will receive a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick that could become a 2025 fourth-round selection from the Steelers in exchange for Fields, Rapoport added. The teams later confirmed the trade, pending a passing physical.
"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," Chicago general manager Ryan Poles said in a team 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."
Fields, 25, posted career highs in passing yards (2,562), touchdowns (16) and completion percentage (61.4%) during his 13 starts in 2023. The dynamic QB also added 657 yards and four TDs on the ground during his third season in the Windy City.
Since Fields was selected 11th overall in the 2021 draft, the QB has a 10-28 record as a starter. He finishes his Chicago tenure having thrown for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, adding 2,220 yards on the ground and 14 TDs.
With Fields now moving on to his next endeavor, most signs point to Caleb Williams being the front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in April.
Chicago's offseason additions like D’Andre Swift, Keenan Allen and Gerald Everett will benefit whoever is under center in 2024. The Bears also added a new offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron, who spent the last three seasons as the Seattle Seahawks' OC.
As for the Steelers, they have made multiple significant moves at QB already this offseason. Head coach Mike Tomlin has added nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson and traded former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, also watching Mason Rudolph sign with the Tennessee Titans.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday that Wilson is slated to be the starter after Pittsburgh acquired Fields, per sources informed of the situation.
With Wilson set to be the Week 1 starter, Fields is in line to learn from the Super Bowl champion QB. Wilson's experience will no doubt benefit a young QB like Fields as he takes the No. 2 role in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers will now gear up for a new era of QBs in Wilson and Fields. Meanwhile, the Bears will prepare for who they will select in April's draft in what is shaping up to be an interesting 2024 offseason for Chicago.
