Steelers Reportedly Making Huge Trade For Bears QB Justin Fields After Moving On From Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers thought they had their franchise quarterback when they drafted Kenny Pickett out of the University of Pittsburgh in the 2022 NFL Draft. Some looked at it as a bit of a reach, especially after the next signal-caller wasn't drafted until the third round. Fast forward two years later and Pickett's play has been underwhelming, which led to him being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. It is now being reported that the Steelers are making a franchise-altering trade which helps to explain why the organization decided to part ways with Pickett.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Steelers have agreed on a trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire 2021 first-round pick, Justin Fields. The former Ohio State Buckeye was all but gone once the Bears secured the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chicago holds the pick thanks to a 2023 draft day trade with the Carolina Panthers.

There's no doubt that Wilson is going to be inside the huddle in 2024, but the team's move for Fields proves that General Manager Omar Khan is thinking ahead. The young quarterback has a ton of talent and the Steelers wouldn't be giving up any kind of draft capital on a guy they don't see as a starter in the near future. Fields can sit behind Wilson and soak in all of the veteran advice. Adam Schefter posted regarding the compensation.

This isn't just Khan, however. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Team President Art Rooney II were absolutely involved in this decision. Khan's job was to get the best possible deal for the franchise. Rooney was clearly very careful with his words when asked if the team would attempt to trade for a quarterback. He said it was unlikely, but didn't rule it out completely. Now, they've made the move after sending Pickett packing.

Khan absolutely swindled the Bears once again. If Fields gets enough playing, it likely means that he was worth the risk and helping the team win. If not, the Steelers only cough up sixth-round pick in 2025.

This is a significant move for several reasons. Fields isn't in the latter stages of his career like Wilson. Pittsburgh didn't have a chance to draft Fields back in 2021, as he went 11th overall to Chicago. He will have a chance to prove himself in Pittsburgh, but needs to win over the locker room as a back-up first. The potential for him to earn a massive contract extension is well within the realm of possibility if the Steelers elect to pick up his fifth-year option for 2025.

So what does this mean for Pickett? He was allegedly moved on from because of his refusal to be a team player. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette set the record straight after Pickett got shipped on to Philadelphia.

It's a bit of a sad end to what could have been a perfect story. Pickett was essentially the hometown kid that almost won a Heisman Trophy at Pitt, but injuries, with a mix of horrible offensive play-calling, shed a poor light on his potential. Overall, Fields has the ability to be a great quarterback in the NFL, and new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will have some work to do in order to get the unit to a top 10 offensive attack in the league with Wilson at the helm and Fields in the back-up role.

Steelers Already Not Messing Around In 2024 Offseason

An uncharacteristic trade of late was when Pittsburgh went after Minkah Fitzpatrick in the 2019 season after Ben Roethlisberger underwent season-ending surgery. This one, however, is next level from Khan. The Steelers are acknowledging a team needs a stud quarterback to win championships, and are seeing something in Fields that hasn't been noticeable with Pickett in terms of the young options. Wilson brings veteran leadership and the chance of winning immediately while Fields soaks it all in.

Are you shocked by Pittsburgh trading for Fields? Let us know in the comments below!

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