The Chicago Bears are trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round pick that could be upgraded to a fourth-round pick based on playing time, ESPN reported on Saturday, citing multiple team sources. The team confirmed the news later on Saturday.
The trade was reported five days after the Steelers signed nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal.
ESPN reported that Fields, a first-round pick in 2021, will not be competiting with Wilson for the starting job and will serve as his understudy in the quarterback room.
The deal clears the way for the Bears to draft a quarterback with the No 1 overall pick – perhaps USC’s Caleb Williams.
“We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in recent weeks and believe trading Justin at this time to Pittsburgh is what is best for both Justin and the Bears,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “Today we spoke to Justin to inform him of the trade and the rationale behind it for us as a club.
“We want to thank him for his tireless dedication, leadership and all he poured into our franchise and community the last three years and wish him the best towards a long and successful NFL career.”
Fields thanked Chicago and the organization, as well as his teammates in a post on X.
“Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me,” he tweeted. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success.
“Ready for this next chapter!”
Wilson tweeted a picture of him and Fields shaking hands with the message: “Let’s get it @justnfields! QB room bout to be…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chicago-bears-trade-justin-fields-230410950.html
Author : The Guardian
Publish date : 2024-03-16 23:04:10
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
