Justin Fields blocked trades before landing with the Steelers

NFL

by Jacqueline Hendricks

Former Bears quarterback Justin Fields wants Pittsburgh alone to be his next NFL home.

Before the Bears traded the field to the Steelers on Saturday, four NFL teams inquired about the 25-year-old quarterback, whose camp “asked not to be traded there” because he “wanted the Steelers.” NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday.

The four suitors have not been identified.

Fields' move from Chicago came one day after the Steelers traded third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Eagles — where he will now serve as backup to rookie Jalen Hurts — on the heels of Pittsburgh agreeing to a one-year deal with Russell Wilson.

Wilson, who just had two disappointing seasons in Denver, welcomed Fields into the fold on Saturday, Posting on X: “Let's get it @justnfields! The QB room is bout to be [fire emoji]”.

Fields, the Bears' 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been at the center of trade speculation for months as Chicago holds the No. 1 pick in this year's draft and is expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Bears showed their hand on Saturday by trading Fields.

“I can't say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for having me and embracing me.” I wrote the fields In a farewell message on Saturday. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this historic franchise. But most of all thanks to all of my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked every day the way I did. I can't thank you all enough for What you have meant to me over the past three years through the ups and downs. I wish each and every one of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!

The Steelers traded a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for Fields who could become a fourth-rounder if the quarterback plays in 51 percent of the snaps in 2024, According to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Entering Pittsburgh, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told Fields that Wilson, 35, would start. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported Saturday.

The first week of NFL free agency was an exciting game of quarterback musical chairs.

In addition to moving Fields and Wilson to Pittsburgh, the Vikings saw now-former quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​land with the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million contract.

Joe Flacco, who came off a playoff appearance with the Browns, has joined the Colts on a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million.

The Chiefs and Patriots, who traded veterans Sam Howell and Mac Jones to the Seahawks and Jaguars, respectively, are expected to select quarterbacks with picks two and three in the 2024 NFL Draft after Chicago takes the No. 1 pick.