The Chicago Bears ushered in a new era when they traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, freeing them up to select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the NFL draft.
While it was a rough process that stretched a little longer than most expected, general manager Ryan Poles made it clear from the start that he wanted to “do right” by Fields. Which meant both giving him a clear decision as soon as possible and allowing him a voice in his potential new destination.
Chicago received a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick from Pittsburgh, which can become a fourth-rounder if Fields plays 51% of snaps in 2024. The compensation was a huge shock, as many believed Fields would garner at least a Day 2 pick.
But, according to a report from ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Poles had at least one better offer on the table than what he got from the Steelers.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles ultimately followed through on a combine pledge to ‘do right by Justin,’ dealing Fields to Pittsburgh over at least one better offer from a team with an established quarterback starter, a Bears team source said.
So who was that team? The Philadelphia Eagles certainly come to mind considering they traded for former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, which freed up Pittsburgh to make a move for Fields.
According to Pryor, “The Steelers were one of four teams on Fields’ radar prior to the start of free agency, along with the Vikings, Raiders and Falcons.”
Fields ultimately wanted to go to Pittsburgh, and Poles obliged, even though it meant taking lesser compensation. Fields “thought highly of (Mike) Tomlin,” per Pryor’s source. There was a report that surfaced before the trade that Tomlin was a “big fan” of Fields.
While Fields will back up Russell Wilson, there’s an opportunity to grow and develop under Tomlin — and compete for the starting job come training camp.
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