Turns out the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t through with making quarterback changes ahead of 2024. Justin Fields is now coming on board.
Following signing Russell Wilson and dealing away former starter Kenny Pickett, the latter move coming on Friday, the Steelers worked out a trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Fields on Saturday. The reactions were rapid online, including words from a now former teammate of the 2021 first-round selection.
Ex-Justin Fields Teammate: “Business Is Business”
The deal involves a 2025 sixth-round selection that would turn into a fourth-rounder based on playtime conditions.
In other words, both the Bears and Steelers came to an agreement that a future Day 3 pick would be involved. But again, Fields got the NFL world firing up the reactions.
One notable reaction? Fields’ former go-to wide receiver, DJ Moore, posted three words: “Business is Business.”
Business is Business
— DJ Moore (@idjmoore) March 16, 2024
Moore produced career-best marks of 96 receptions, 1,364 yards, and eight touchdowns for the Bears. Moore wasn’t the only notable online reaction.
Who Else Chimed in on Fields Trade?
Fields’ trade comes amid the constant criticism he received as the Bears’ starting quarterback. Many fans, including those rooting for the Bears, weren’t fond of his development or trajectory as a passer.
Fields never produced 20 touchdown passes or surpassed 2,600 yards. He also leaves the Windy City with a dismal 10-28 overall record. Some Bear fans even began hoping for Tyler Bagent to lead the offense, who went 2-2 overall as a 2023 starter.
Fields, though, will have his backers in his move to the Steel City. One of his supporters is NFL Network personality Peter Schrager of Good Morning Football, who declared that it’s time for Fields to “prove ’em all Wrong.”
The market was the market.
Now it’s time for Justin Fields to prove ‘em all wrong.
31 teams didn’t give up a Day 1 or 2 pick.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 16, 2024
However, Bears beat reporter for The Athletic Kevin Fishbain, who watched Fields in all three seasons, gave a strong description of his career.
“Justin Fields has been the ultimate Rorschach test in this city. Two things can be true. The Bears put him in a brutal situation to start his career, and he didn’t play well enough to prevent the franchise from taking advantage of having the No. 1 pick,” Fishbain posted on social media.
Justin Fields has been the ultimate Rorschach test in this city. Two things can be true. The Bears put him in a brutal situation to start his career, and he didn't play well enough to prevent the franchise from taking advantage of having the No. 1 pick.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 16, 2024
But again, Fields does have his remaining supporters. One is Anthony Herron of the Big 10 Network and NBC Sports, who says he’s rooting for Fields.
There will be lots of Chicagoans continuing to root for Justin Fields. Count me amongst them. Would’ve preferred Ryan Poles got better compensation in return, but in the end this split makes sense for #DaBears and the QB. #BonVoyage #Bears pic.twitter.com/XEHVICrwYG
— Anthony Herron (@BigAntHerron) March 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Fields himself posted a lengthy goodbye to Chicago on social media as he now treks to the Steel City. In it, he thanked the Bears and the city.
Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me. Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played… pic.twitter.com/fT1dORwFU5
— Justin Fields (@justnfields) March 16, 2024
Fields is now the third member of the 2021 QB class to be traded. Third overall pick Trey Lance went from the San Francisco 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2023 season.
Mac Jones, the 15th overall selection to the New England Patriots, was dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars during the free agency period.
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