The Chicago Bears have made a significant move by trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This trade marks the end of Fields’ time with the Bears after completing his third season with the team in 2023. Fields will now join the Steelers, where he will be part of a quarterback room led by Russell Wilson, who recently signed a one-year deal with the team. However, Fields is not expected to compete with Wilson for the starting job. Instead, he is anticipated to learn from the Super Bowl winner and nine-time Pro Bowler.
Acknowledgment and Gratitude
In a social media post following the trade, Fields expressed his gratitude towards the Bears organization and the city of Chicago for the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. This move comes after weeks of speculation and uncertainty surrounding Fields’ future with the Bears.
With Fields off the roster, the Bears are now in a position to take a quarterback in the upcoming draft. The team finished with a 7-10 record in 2023, earning them the No. 9 pick. Fields’ tenure with the Bears saw him make 38 starts, amassing 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. Despite the departure of Fields, the Bears are committed to finding their next quarterback and continue evaluating draft-eligible signal-callers.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus has reiterated that the evaluation process for quarterbacks remains consistent, even with the depth and talent of the 2024 quarterback class. The addition of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in January brings a new perspective to the offensive system. Waldron believes that the offense will be adaptable to the quarterback chosen by the franchise, emphasizing the importance of efficient teaching and understanding of the system.
As the Bears search for their next quarterback, Eberflus emphasized the importance of situational awareness and execution in evaluating prospects. He considers the ability to operate in critical game situations such as third downs, two-minute drills, and end-of-game scenarios as crucial factors. Additionally, toughness, both mental and physical, is highlighted as a significant attribute for a quarterback. The ability to stand in the pocket, make accurate throws, and create plays when necessary are all qualities that the Bears are looking for in their future signal-caller.
The trade of Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers signifies the end of an era for the Chicago Bears. With Fields no longer on the roster, the Bears are now focused on finding their next franchise quarterback. The continuity in the evaluation process and the emphasis on key factors such as situational awareness and toughness will guide the Bears in their decision-making as they look towards the future.