The Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still linked by ESPN NFL analysts. ESPN’s Field Yates entered the speculative discussion on February 21 and offered the precise bid the Steelers ought to make to get Fields.
Yates suggested that in exchange for Fields, the Bears receive the Steelers’ No. 51 overall pick and a 2024 fourth-round selection.
Yates noted, “Even though head coach Mike Tomlin just stated that he supports quarterback Kenny Pickett, a 2022 first-round selection, I wouldn’t be taking a risk by saying the Steelers should look at other choices. Fields would give the Steelers’ offense a dynamic element, and if I were Pittsburgh, I would be chasing this vigorously.
“Last season, the Steelers’ completion percentage (63.8%), touchdown passes (13), yards per attempt (6.8), and QBR (41.6) all fell outside the top 20.
Yates also suggested that the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders make hypothetical trade bids for Fields. Pittsburgh had eight picks ahead of Atlanta’s, but Atlanta’s offer only included a second-round pick.
Hunter Renfrow, a wide receiver, and a 2024 third-round selection were Las Vegas’ offers for Fields.
The Bears own the first choice in the 2024 NFL draft, so Fields might become available through a trade. Caleb Williams, a signal caller for USC, is the likely candidate to go first overall.
Yates offered speculative trade suggestions for the top selection of the Bears as well. However, he did not list the Steelers among the participating clubs.
Fields’ rookie deal has one year left on it, but any team that acquires him through a trade will almost definitely choose to exercise his fifth-year option.
Fields’ market worth was estimated by Spotrac to be $283 million for a six-year contract in his next contract.
Justin Fields, quarterback, is preferred by the Steelers.
On The Pat McAfee Show on February 12, ESPN’s Adam Schefter referred to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as a “big fan” of Fields.
Three days later, the Steelers were the new favorite to start Fields behind center for the upcoming season, according to DraftKings. Fields and the Steelers have been the subject of speculation for the previous few weeks due to Schefter’s remark and the updated betting odds.
Fields is a dual threat as a runner and thrower, which makes for an incredible highlight reel. That being said, it’s entertaining to speculate that he might join the black and gold.
The Steelers seem intent on using defense and a potent running game to win even in 2024. The team’s new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, has high expectations for running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris in the next year.
For the previous two seasons, Smith’s Atlanta attack was in the top 10 in terms of rushing yards. Fields’ addition as a second running threat behind center might increase the Steelers’ threat level on the ground.
