The Pittsburgh Steelers made several significant decisions this offseason, with one of the biggest being the trade for former Chicago Bears quarterback, Justin Fields. Prior to acquiring Fields, the Steelers had already made another notable move by signing quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
Chicago Bears
Former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields runs away from defenders while carrying the football.
In the 2024 season, Fields is expected to serve as the backup for Wilson. The Bears' decision to part ways with Fields wasn't easy. Drafted 11th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields was initially seen as a key player for the Bears' long-term future. However, with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears chose to draft quarterback Caleb Williams, signaling a new direction for the team.
Former NFL quarterback Steve Beuerlein discussed Fields' struggles during his three seasons in Chicago on an episode of The Bullpen with Adam The Bull. Beuerlein does not believe Fields is much to blame despite only winning just 10 games in three seasons as a starter.
"I think there were a lot of things working against him in Chicago. Mainly the instability and overall talent around him. Not being given the opportunity to grow in a system with a lot of weapons and a lot of different offensive philosophies that would fit him."
In the NFL, the team and situation a player is drafted into are crucial. Many quarterbacks in the past have struggled and ultimately failed due to poor circumstances. The organization you join can often determine your fate.
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Former Bears QB Justin Fields looks down during a game.
Despite his challenges in Chicago, Beuerlein remains confident in Fields' potential to become an stud NFL quarterback.
"I saw enough from him I thought over the last few years to believe he's got the ability to be top-notch. l think Justin Fields has enough special qualities if you can get that confidence level up and get him in an offensive system that knows how to use him. I think he can do it from the pocket at a higher level than most people do. I think he showed that on several occasions over the last several years."
Fields will be adapting to a new system in Pittsburgh, which is also new to the entire organization. The Steelers hired Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith this offseason, bringing him in to address the team's offensive struggles.
Beuerlein believes the Bears made a significant mistake in how they handled the trade of Fields.
"My big statement on this whole evolution of what happened with Justin Fields, I thought the Bears made a huge mistake not trading that first pick. I think the Bears, if they trade away that first pick, commit to Fields for one more year... What they would've gotten in exchange for that first pick could've solidified that football team in a lot of areas, and prepared and set the table to go on a really nice run either this year or next year. I just think it was a mistake they let him go. And they decided to use that first pick. I think Pittsburgh is going to benefit from that long-term."
Steelers Will Have To Make A Choice After The 2024 Season Ends
The Steelers now have Fields for the 2024 season, and at its conclusion, they'll need to make a decision about his future, with Fields also having a say in the matter. It will be interesting to see what Pittsburgh learns about Fields during the rest of the offseason and throughout the year.
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Former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields uses his legs to try and escape defenders during a professional football game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, PA.
Fields possesses rare athletic talent and is one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in the league. While he has demonstrated the ability to make big plays, he has also shown some red flags. Pundits have mixed reviews on Fields and his potential.
In Pittsburgh, he will learn under Wilson and wait for his next opportunity. Football fans will eventually discover whether Beuerlein's sentiment about the Bears making a mistake holds true.
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