The Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still linked by ESPN NFL analysts. ESPN’s Field Yates
entered the speculative discussion on February 21 and offered the precise bid the Steelers ought to make to get Fields.
Yates suggested that in exchange for Fields, the Bears receive the Steelers’ No. 51 overall pick and a 2024 fourth-round selection.
Yates noted, “Even though head coach Mike Tomlin just stated that he supports quarterback Kenny Pickett, a 2022 first-round
selection, I wouldn’t be taking a risk by saying the Steelers should look at other choices. Fields would give the Steelers’ offense a
dynamic element, and if I were Pittsburgh, I would be chasing this vigorously.
“Last season, the Steelers’ completion percentage (63.8%), touchdown passes (13), yards per attempt (6.8), and QBR (41.6) all fell
outside the top 20.
Yates also suggested that the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders make hypothetical trade bids for Fields. Pittsburgh had eight
picks ahead of Atlanta’s, but Atlanta’s offer only included a second-round pick.
Hunter Renfrow, a wide receiver, and a 2024 third-round selection were Las Vegas’ offers for Fields.
The Bears own the first choice in the 2024 NFL draft, so Fields might become available through a trade. Caleb Williams, a signal caller
for USC, is the likely candidate to go first overall.
Yates offered speculative trade suggestions for the top selection of the Bears as well. However, he did not list the Steelers among
Fields’ rookie deal has one year left on it, but any team that acquires him through a trade will almost definitely choose to exercise his
fifth-year option.
Fields’ market worth was estimated by Spotrac to be $283 million for a six-year contract in his next contract.
Justin Fields, quarterback, is preferred by the Steelers.
On The Pat McAfee Show on February 12, ESPN’s Adam Schefter referred to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as a “big fan” of Fields.
Three days later, the Steelers were the new favorite to start Fields behind center for the upcoming season, according to DraftKings.
Fields and the Steelers have been the subject of speculation for the previous few weeks due to Schefter’s remark and the updated
betting odds.
Fields is a dual threat as a runner and thrower, which makes for an incredible highlight reel. That being said, it’s entertaining to
speculate that he might join the black and gold.
The Steelers seem intent on using defense and a potent running game to win even in 2024. The team’s new offensive coordinator,
Arthur Smith, has high expectations for running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris in the next year.
For the previous two seasons, Smith’s Atlanta attack was in the top 10 in terms of rushing yards. Fields’ addition as a second running
threat behind center might increase the Steelers’ threat level on the ground.
In 2023, Fields topped the Bears with 657 running yards. With 7.1 yards per carry in 2022, he topped the NFL.
The Likelihood of the Steelers Not Trading for Fields
The idea that the Steelers will participate in the Fields sweepstakes has been promoted by Schefter and DraftKings. However, neither
the team nor local newspapers have made many recommendations to back a Fields deal to Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback for 2024 is already on the roster, Tomlin informed reporters during his post-season news conference
on January 18.
According to Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, on February 17, the Steelers are “not interested” in signing a new starting
quarterback.
“To see if he is the guy to do more than just win a playoff game— something they haven’t done in a franchise-record seven years— they
are committed to giving Pickett a third season,” Dulac wrote.
In terms of money, the Steelers shouldn’t sign Fields until they decide they no longer want Pickett.
Fields’ team will have to choose in May whether to exercise his fifth-year option, even though he will only have a $6 million cap hit in
2024.
Steelers Depot’s X (formerly Twitter) account stated, “What most people still have yet to realize is that if the Steelers do wind up
trading for Justin Fields, they will need to turn around and pick up the 5th year option for $21.978M fully guaranteed in 2025.” It also
implies that there won’t be any competition and he will start as the starter in 2024. devoted two seasons of her life to him.
They would therefore have to commit to paying Fields around $28 million after dealing for the Bears quarterback.
The Athletic’s Kaboly commented on X, “A high draft pick AND $25 million guaranteed for Fields before he plays one snap for you.”
Not entirely certain about that.
Then, in order to keep Fields around, the Steelers would probably have to give him a contract worth about $283 million.
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