The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields this offseason, a move that did not come as too much of a surprise given that everyone knew they were going to take Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.
Head coach Matt Eberflus says that just before the Bears completed the deal to send Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he and general manager Ryan Poles met with the signal-caller to provide some words of encouragement.
“We thanked him for his leadership, for the work ethic and just the man that he is, how he’s always been a wonderful guy,” Eberflus said, via Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. “I just told him, ‘Hey, I really enjoyed our relationship together the last couple years.’ I said, “That certainly doesn’t end here.’ The relationship that he and I built over the first couple years is special and no one can ever take that away from us.”
Fields was universally beloved within Chicago’s organization, and earlier in the offseason, there were even reports that some members of the front office wanted to keep him.
As a result, there was talk that the Bears could potentially trade the No. 1 pick.
However, that was probably never all that serious, as Chicago seemed pretty locked in on Williams—who some consider to be a generational talent—all along.
The good part about all of this is that Fields ended his relationship with the Bears on amicable terms. He clearly understood why the team was moving on, and now, he may get an opportunity to start with the Steelers as soon a the 2024 season if things with Russell Wilson don’t work out in Pittsburgh.
Fields, who played his collegiate football at Ohio State, was selected by Chicago with the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He went 10-28 as a starter for the Bears, throwing 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He also flashed terrific talent as a rusher, amassing 2,220 rushing yards in 40 games.
We’ll see if Justin Fields can maximize his talents with the Steelers.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
