The Bears are trading Justin Fields to the Steelers for a late-round pick

The Chicago Bears have agreed to trade QB Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL draft

It’s been a dramatic winter in the Chicago sports world. Since the season ended, the tension around the Bears and quarterback Justin Fields has been dominating the conversation.

The drama is now over.

On Saturday night, the Bears agreed to a trade that will send Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick that can escalate up to a fourth-round pick based on 2024 playing time in Pittsburgh. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news.

Fields has been Chicago’s primary starting quarterback for the last three seasons. While he’s lit up the league with his legs, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft hasn’t shown enough progress as a passer to help elevate the Bears out of the NFC North cellar. A regime that did not draft him is now in place and decided to move on.

The Bears are expected to select USC QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Meanwhile, Fields heads to Pittsburgh to back up freshly signed veteran Russell Wilson.

Bears agree to sign RB D’Andre Swift to a big contract

Bears agree to sign ex-Lions RB D’Andre Swift to a big contract as free agency starts

One of the first moves reported out of the NFL’s free agent tampering period is one that is sure to raise some eyebrows in Detroit.

Reports indicate former Lions running back D’Andre Swift agreed to a free agent deal with the Chicago Bears. While the deal cannot be finalized before Wednesday, the money being talked about is big.

The reported numbers for Swift, who played 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles, are $24 million over three years. More importantly, Chicago will give Swift $15.3 million guaranteed at signing.

That’s more than the Lions are paying former Bears RB David Montgomery, who signed with Detroit last year. The Lions signed Montgomery to a 3-year, $18 million deal last offseason with $11 million guaranteed.

While different styles of runners, Montgomery was more efficiently productive in his first year in Detroit than Swift ever was, and also outperformed Swift with the Eagles in 2023.

Swift: 229 carries, 1049 yards, 5 TDs

Montgomery: 219 carries, 1015 yards, 13 TDs

Bears fans who chastised Swift for being soft and overhyped during his time in Detroit now find the shoe on the other foot.

NFC North watch: The Justin Fields drama in Chicago keeps growing

NFC North watch: The Justin Fields drama in Chicago keeps growing for the Bears

The Chicago Bears had a nice finish to their 2023 season. After losing to the Lions in Detroit in Week 11, Chicago won four of its final six games to escape last place in the NFC North with a 7-10 finish.

The upward winds have not kept blowing into the offseason. Instead, the drama around quarterback Justin Fields keeps blowing up.

Chicago appears set to select USC QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, a pick they got in a draft-day trade with Carolina last year. That means the apparent end of the line in Chicago for Fields, the Bears’ starter for most of the last three seasons after being a first-round pick in 2021.

Fields unfollowed the Bears on his Instagram account, which is one of the trendy ways for athletes to indicate their displeasure with their employer. This follows a report from Albert Breer that indicates the Bears were fielding potential trade feelers for Fields during Senior Bowl week.

However, the Bears reportedly have not come to a consensus that drafting Williams also means dumping Fields. Could they really keep both in 2024 if the Bears don’t get the kind of trade offer they desire for Fields?

It’s a headache for Chicago, and that’s good for the reigning NFC North champion Detroit Lions.

Bears cut two veteran starters for cap purposes who could interest the Lions

Chicago’s loss could be the Lions gain, especially on the offensive line

The Chicago Bears moved on from a couple of high-priced veterans who were entering the final year of their contracts. The Bear’s loss could be an interesting gain for the Detroit Lions.

Detroit’s NFC North rivals dumped safety Eddie Jackson and offensive lineman Cody Whitehair this week. The moves saved the Bears over $21 million in cap room for the 2024 season while adding just over $9 million in dead cap. Both were longtime starters and pretty good ones at that.

Jackson was once the highest-paid safety in the NFL, but he’s missed five games in each of the last two seasons and isn’t the All-Pro he was half a decade ago anymore. The 30-year-old can play any safety spot.

Whitehair is the more intriguing option for Detroit. The 31-year-old has over 100 starts between guard and center. His days as an upper-level starter are likely done, but for a team like Detroit that desperately needs interior OL depth, Whitehair would make a valuable veteran addition.

Bears now have the longest playoff winless streak in NFC North

The Bears haven’t won a playoff game in over 10 years.

The Detroit Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 24-23, in Sunday’s wild-card playoff game, snapping a 32-year winless streak in the postseason to advance to the divisional round.

With Detroit’s winless streak snapped, the Chicago Bears now have the longest playoff winless streak in the NFC North, which spans 13 years.

Chicago’s last postseason win came on Jan. 16, 2011, when the Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 35-24, with quarterback Jay Cutler at the helm. Lovie Smith was the head coach.

For what it’s worth, the Bears have made the playoffs two times since their last postseason win — in 2018 and 2020 — and went 0-2.

Chicago suffered a heartbreaking 16-15 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, now infamously known as the Double Doink loss. The Bears were also the beneficiary of the additional wild-card spot in 2020, when they snuck into the playoffs after a 8-8 season. They suffered a rough 21-9 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round.

While Chicago has the longest winless playoff streak in the division, it’s far from the longest in the NFL. The Miami Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game in 23 years, the Las Vegas Raiders haven’t won in 21 years and the Washington Commanders haven’t won in 18 years.

The NFC North has two teams heading to the divisional playoffs — the Lions and the Green Bay Packers, who upset the Dallas Cowboys, 48-32.

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NFC North season recap: Who finished where?

NFC North season recap: Who finished where in the division

The NFC North has always been one of the better divisions in football and this year it proved to be one of the toughest. Injuries messed with teams, others struggled to find their footing, and the Lions claimed their first-ever division title through it all.

Looking ahead, change is coming for some as the Vikings seemingly enter the post-Kirk Cousins era. The Packers have found their quarterback of the future, and the Bears have the first pick in the draft.

For the Lions and Packers they head to the playoffs, not against each other either. The Vikings and Bears will begin their offseason with their eyes on what could be a wide-open NFC North when things circle back around in September.

Bears Week 18 injury report: Jaylon Johnson doubtful, Cole Kmet questionable vs. Packers

The Bears have released their final injury report and game designations ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Packers.

The Chicago Bears (7-9) released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers (8-8).

While cornerback Jaylon Johnson said earlier this week he expected to play against the Packers, he’s officially listed as doubtful after not practicing all week with a shoulder injury.

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who missed last week’s game with a concussion, remains in concussion protocol and has already been ruled out.

Chicago has five players who are questionable against the Packers: tight end Cole Kmet (knee), cornerback Kyler Gordon (calf), running back Khalil Herbert (back), center Lucas Patrick (calf) and long snapper Patrick Scales (foot).

The good news? Wide receiver DJ Moore (ankle) and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent (illness) practiced in full and have no injury designation for Sunday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Packers after Friday’s practices:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
QB Tyson Bagent illness DNP DNP FP
CB Kyler Gordon calf LP Questionable
RB Khalil Herbert back LP DNP Questionable
CB Jaylon Johnson shoulder DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
TE Cole Kmet knee DNP LP FP Questionable
WR Darnell Mooney concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
WR DJ Moore ankle LP LP FP
C Lucas Patrick calf LP Questionable
LS Patrick Scales foot DNP DNP FP Questionable

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Green Bay Packers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
CB Jaire Alexander shoulder FP FP FP
S Zayne Anderson knee LP FP FP
LB De’Vondre Campbell neck FP FP FP
RB AJ Dillon thumb/neck DNP DNP DNP Out
S Rudy Ford hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out
OL Elgton Jenkins knee/ankle DNP DNP LP Questionable
RB Aaron Jones knee/finger LP LP LP
LB Isaiah McDuffie concussion/neck DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
TE Luke Musgrave** kidney LP LP LP Questionable
OL Josh Myers neck LP FP FP
CB Keisean Nixon quadricep LP FP FP
S Jonathan Owens knee LP LP LP
WR Jayden Reed chest LP LP LP Questionable
S Darnell Savage shoulder FP FP FP
DL T.J. Slaton knee/foot LP LP LP
LB Preston Smith ankle DNP DNP LP Questionable
OL Luke Tenuta** ankle FP FP FP Questionable
LB Quay Walker shoulder LP FP FP
WR Christian Watson hamstring LP LP DNP Questionable
WR Dontayvion Wicks chest LP FP FP Questionable
RB Emanuel Wilson** shoulder FP FP FP Questionable

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

**designated to return from IR

Bears Week 18 injury report: Jaylon Johnson DNP, Cole Kmet limited Thursday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 18 injury report following Thursday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (7-9) released their second injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers (8-8).

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was once again sidelined with a shoulder injury, although he insists that he “100 percent” expects to play against the Packers on Sunday.

Tight end Cole Kmet, who’s been dealing with a knee injury, returned to practice in limited fashion after missing Wednesday’s practice.

Elsewhere, long snapper Patrick Scales is dealing with a foot injury, wide receiver Darnell Mooney remains in concussion protocol and quarterback Tyson Bagent is dealing with an illness.

Wide receiver DJ Moore (ankle) and running back Khalil Herbert (back) was also limited on Thursday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Packers (TBA) after Thursday’s practices:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
QB Tyson Bagent illness DNP DNP
RB Khalil Herbert back LP
CB Jaylon Johnson shoulder DNP DNP
TE Cole Kmet knee DNP LP
TE Marcedes Lewis rest DNP
WR Darnell Mooney concussion DNP DNP
WR DJ Moore ankle LP LP
LS Patrick Scales foot DNP DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Green Bay Packers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
CB Jaire Alexander shoulder FP FP
S Zayne Anderson knee LP FP
LB De’Vondre Campbell neck FP FP
RB AJ Dillon thumb/neck DNP DNP
S Rudy Ford hamstring DNP DNP
OL Elgton Jenkins knee/ankle DNP DNP
RB Aaron Jones knee/finger LP LP
LB Isaiah McDuffie concussion/neck DNP DNP
TE Luke Musgrave** kidney LP LP
OL Josh Myers neck LP FP
CB Keisean Nixon quadricep LP FP
S Jonathan Owens knee LP LP
WR Jayden Reed chest LP LP
S Darnell Savage shoulder FP FP
DL T.J. Slaton knee/foot LP LP
LB Preston Smith ankle DNP DNP
OL Luke Tenuta** ankle FP FP
LB Quay Walker shoulder LP FP
WR Christian Watson hamstring LP LP
WR Dontayvion Wicks chest LP FP
RB Emanuel Wilson** shoulder FP FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

**designated to return from IR

Bears Week 18 injury report: Jaylon Johnson, Cole Kmet DNP Wednesday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 18 injury report following Wednesday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (7-9) released their first injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers (8-8).

The Bears had five players sidelined for Wednesday’s practice, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson (shoulder) and tight end Cole Kmet (knee). Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in the first half of last week’s win against the Atlanta Falcons. While Kmet did play in that game, he wasn’t involved much as he continues to battle a knee injury suffered in Week 16.

Elsewhere, long snapper Patrick Scales is dealing with a foot injury, wide receiver Darnell Mooney remains in concussion protocol and quarterback Tyson Bagent is dealing with an illness.

Wide receiver DJ Moore was limited with an ankle injury.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Packers after Wednesday’s practices:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
QB Tyson Bagent illness DNP
CB Jaylon Johnson shoulder DNP
TE Cole Kmet knee DNP
WR Darnell Mooney concussion DNP
WR DJ Moore ankle LP
LS Patrick Scales foot DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Green Bay Packers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
CB Jaire Alexander shoulder FP
S Zayne Anderson knee LP
LB De’Vondre Campbell neck FP
RB AJ Dillon thumb/neck DNP
S Rudy Ford hamstring DNP
OL Elgton Jenkins knee/ankle DNP
RB Aaron Jones knee/finger LP
LB Isaiah McDuffie concussion/neck DNP
TE Luke Musgrave** kidney LP
OL Josh Myers neck LP
CB Keisean Nixon quadricep LP
S Jonathan Owens knee LP
WR Jayden Reed chest LP
S Darnell Savage shoulder FP
DL T.J. Slaton knee/foot LP
LB Preston Smith ankle DNP
OL Luke Tenuta** ankle FP
LB Quay Walker shoulder LP
WR Christian Watson hamstring LP
WR Dontayvion Wicks chest LP
RB Emanuel Wilson** shoulder FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

**designated to return from IR

Vikings still have playoff life entering Week 18 trip to Detroit

A lot of things need to happen for Minnesota and it seems more likely that none of those things happen, but the Vikings can still dream…

Believe it or not, the Minnesota Vikings still have something to play for in the Week 18 finale in Detroit. While it’s a contrived longshot, the Vikings can still make the postseason if they beat the Lions.

Even after getting blown out by the Packers in Week 17, Detroit’s Week 18 foe isn’t mathematically eliminated from the final NFC wild card spot. Sunday’s game kicks off before any of these other outcomes will be known, too.

Foremost, the Vikings have to beat the Lions. Detroit wins at home and the door is slammed shut. Minnesota also needs all of the following to happen in Week 18:

  • Bears beat the Packers
  • Cardinals beat the Seahawks
  • Buccaneers lose to the Panthers OR the Saints lose to the Falcons

It seems more likely that none of those things happen, but the Vikings can still dream…

If the Lions beat the Vikings and the Bears beat the Packers, Minnesota will finish in last place in the NFC North a year after winning the division.