The Bears’ quarterback situation is clearer than ever.
Chicago trades Justin Fields to the Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick. Pittsburgh announced on Saturday..
The Bears’ returning draft pick could become a fourth-round pick in 2024 if Fields plays 51 percent of the snaps. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports..
This week, the Steelers added Russell Wilson in free agency on a one-year deal and traded Kenny Pickett to the Eagles.
A source told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Saturday. “He’s the starter,” Wilson said after the Fields trade.
ESPN reported The lack of competition between Wilson and Fields means the former Broncos and Seahawks quarterback will likely be the No. 1 signal-caller heading into this season.
Fields told People he was ready for a fresh start. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Brier reports..
The Bears, who have the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, are expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
The trade ends Fields’ tenure in Chicago. Although he had high hopes initially, he was largely disappointed.
The Ohio State product, the No. 11 overall pick in the NFL in 2021, flashed at times but struggled against a weak offensive line.
In 2022, he threw 17 touchdowns and attempted eight more, but was sacked a league-high 55 times.
Last season, Fields appeared in 13 games, throwing for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions and an 86.3 quarterback rating.
He added 657 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Despite catching up late in the season, the Bears finished outside the playoffs with a record of 7 wins and 10 losses.
Fields mentioned the trade in his X post, thanking the Bears and the city of Chicago.
The Bears retain the No. 1 pick they acquired from the Panthers in last year’s trade and are poised to acquire Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy No. 1 overall winner.
Bears general manager Ryan Pauls said at the scouting combine that if Chicago were to trade Fields, it would happen at the start of free agency.
“If I go down that path, I want to do what Justin did,” Polish said in Indianapolis at the end of February.
“Nobody wants to live in the gray. I know it’s uncomfortable. I don’t want to be in that situation either. So we’re gathering information. We’ll move you as soon as possible.” . We’re not going to rush it, we’re going to look at what’s in place and what’s best for the organization.”
The Bears didn’t make a trade at the beginning of the new league year, but they did make one within the first week of free agency.
If Williams were to go to the Bears, he would be joined by star wideout DJ Moore and newly acquired Keenan Allen.
There were rumors that Williams did not want to be selected by the Bears, but in late February Williams told ESPN that he would be welcome if the Bears selected him.
“I would be excited if the Bears drafted me.” Williams told the media..
“If they trade picks and I get drafted by someone else, I’d be just as excited. As for Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented team. We have offense and defense. I think anyone would be excited in a situation like that.”
