The Pittsburgh Steelers enjoyed a remarkable offseason, marked by a strategic move that significantly bolstered their roster. A key highlight was the acquisition of former Chicago Bears quarterback, Justin Fields, through a well-executed trade. With patience and precision, the Steelers monitored the market until the opportune moment when Fields' value was at its most advantageous. This savvy maneuver was orchestrated by Omar Khan, the team's astute decision-maker. In exchange for Fields, the Steelers gave up a conditional sixth-round pick, potentially escalating to a fourth-round selection contingent upon Fields' level of involvement during the 2024 season.
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Steelers QB Justin Fields throwing the football during a road game.
However, for the Bears organization, parting ways with Fields was a weighty decision fraught with complexity. General Manager Ryan Poles found himself in a challenging position, compelled to articulate the rationale behind moving on from a player once touted as the cornerstone of the franchise, despite being just 25 years old.
“Moving on from Justin was one of the most difficult things I have had to do on the job. You know there are sometimes I wish he wasn’t such a great human being because it would make it way easier, but you have an opportunity to draft a first overall pick. That really changes the dynamic, so I wanted to make sure we did right by him so he could have the opportunity to potentially start and continue his career.”
Poles shared these insights during an interview, the clip of which was posted on social media by content creator Dave. In the interview, Poles spoke further into the reasoning behind the decision to part ways with Fields.
“I really care about the guy and the way he carried himself when he was here as a Chicago Bear. He was a hard worker and a great teammate, but I knew at the end of the day, it was the best thing for the Chicago Bears and where we were heading."
Fields' trade elicited a somber response from many of his former teammates, including Jaylon Johnson, who expressed sadness at the news. For Johnson, Fields wasn't just a teammate; he was his quarterback, his comrade. This sentiment of disappointment was shared by others within the team.
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Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football during his time with the Bears.
The manner in which Poles speaks about Fields offers insight into his character. Fields commands respect from many, and there's anticipation surrounding his potential growth in Pittsburgh. Although his tenure in Chicago saw its challenges in terms of securing victories, Fields showcased glimpses of brilliance. He delivered standout performances on numerous occasions, generating excitement among Steelers fans about his presence in their quarterback room.
Steelers' Justin Fields Will Have A Chance To Win Starting Quarterback Job
While Fields may not immediately get his chance, given the Steelers' acquisition of Russell Wilson, it's evident that the head coach has long admired Fields. Head Coach Mike Tomlin recently discussed both Fields and Wilson, indicating that, for the time being, he deemed it appropriate to designate Wilson as the starter. However, Tomlin didn't dismiss the possibility of Fields having a fair opportunity to compete for the job.
Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Steelers QB Russell Wilson running with a football during a game with the Denver Broncos.
Wilson expressed enthusiasm upon learning that Fields would be joining the team. With Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, leading the charge, and Fields, a promising talent brimming with potential, the Steelers' quarterback room has significantly improved during the offseason. Fields' development trajectory suggests he could potentially become the future face of the franchise.
Looking ahead to the conclusion of the 2024 season, the Steelers will face a more challenging decision regarding their quarterback situation. Contract negotiations with both Wilson and Fields will loom large, and the team's allocation of resources will be contingent upon the performances of these quarterbacks throughout the season. The prospect of witnessing these two talented quarterbacks battle it out in the Steel City is sure to captivate Steeler Nation.
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