The Pittsburgh Steelers sent shockwaves throughout the NFL community with their bold move to acquire Chicago Bears quarterback, Justin Fields. This strategic maneuver took place amidst speculation about Fields' market value, which, surprisingly, fell lower than anticipated.
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Steelers' QB Justin Fields during his time with the Bears.
Steelers' General Manager Omar Khan exhibited remarkable patience and strategic acumen, seizing the opportunity to secure Fields at an exceptional value within the trade market. Ultimately, the Steelers orchestrated a deal to acquire Fields for a conditional sixth-round pick, with the potential to escalate to a fourth-round selection based on Fields' performance and playing time.
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Steelers' QB Justin Fields during his time with the Chicago Bears.
Jac Collinsworth, a sports analyst and son of legendary broadcaster Cris Collinsworth, shared his profound insights on the monumental trade during a segment of the NFL on NBC show. Engaging in a conversation with Rodney Harrison, Collinsworth passionately articulated his belief that the acquisition of Fields by the Steelers is going to go down in NFL history.
"I don't think you give a hoot if you're Mike Tomlin. If he ends up playing and he's your quarterback, that's gonna go down as one of the great quarterback exchange deals of all time. There was one point where Fields was one of the most sought-after players anywhere. Everyone was like ‘how do you go get Justin Fields?’ Now he's sort of slowly progressed and matured, got older, went through the craft... and now he goes to one of the toughest places in Pittsburgh. Just think this makes so much sense and could end up being fire and gasoline.”
He boldly declared that this trade possesses the potential to etch its name into the annals of NFL history as one of the most significant quarterback acquisitions of all time. Such a proclamation underscores the magnitude of the Steelers' strategic move and the ripple effects it could have on the league landscape for years to come.
Building on Collinsworth's assertion, Harrison provided insight into the implications for the Steelers' quarterback room and its dynamics. Prior to the acquisition of Fields, the Steelers had already enlisted the services of seasoned quarterback Russell Wilson, positioning him as the current frontrunner for the starting role.
"One thing about Russell Wilson that everyone respects, that’s been around him, is his consistent work ethic. He's always a positive guy, he works extremely hard. That's something that Justin Fields could definitely look to and he could be that mentor and help teach him how to continue to prepare in terms of film study and classroom things. I think you are right.”
Harrison expressed optimism regarding the situation, seeing it as a valuable opportunity for Fields to glean from Wilson's wealth of experience and expertise. He also believes that Fields being around a player like Wilson everyday will greatly benefit his career trajectory longterm.
Steelers' Quarterback Room Is Set To Be Competitive And Exciting
The Steelers underwent significant changes at the quarterback position following the conclusion of the 2023 season. Kenny Pickett was traded, Mason Rudolph departed in free agency, and Mitch Trubisky was released. In their place, the team acquired Wilson for the veteran minimum and made a trade to acquire Fields. These moves brought in two talented but recently inconsistent quarterbacks, offering the Steelers promising potential.
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Former Steelers quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky standing around during a practice.
Wilson's history in the league is impressive, having earned nine Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory. Meanwhile, Fields entered the league as one of its most highly touted prospects, although he has encountered challenges along the way. Despite recent struggles from both players, the Steelers secured them at great value. However, the true measure of success lies in their ability to translate this value into wins and a playoff push.
The quarterback room is now poised to be highly competitive, with Wilson expressing enthusiasm about having Fields as a teammate. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has designated Wilson as the current starter but intends to provide Fields with an opportunity to vie for the position. Steeler Nation eagerly anticipates witnessing the performances of their new quarterbacks in the upcoming 2024 season.
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