The Bears fielded ''at least one superior offer'' for Justin Fields
Earlier this month, the Bears orchestrated a trade, sending Justin Fields to the Steelers in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. General manager Ryan Poles, with the intention of honoring Fields' preferences, deliberately accepted a diminished return for the fourth-year quarterback, allowing him to swiftly join his desired destination. A recent report from ESPN reveals that the Bears had received a more favorable offer than the one finalized with the Steelers.
According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Bears' general manager Ryan Poles stayed true to his commitment made during the combine to "do right by Justin," opting to trade Fields to Pittsburgh despite having received a superior offer from a team boasting an established starting quarterback.
Speculation arises regarding the identity of the team that tendered the more attractive trade proposal for Fields. Could it have been the Eagles before their acquisition of Kenny Pickett? Initially, Fields had outlined four preferred destinations, including the Steelers, when informed of the Bears' intention to trade him.
"The Steelers were one of four teams on Fields' radar prior to the start of free agency, along with the Vikings, Raiders, and Falcons," Pryor wrote.
Fields held Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in high regard, a factor that likely influenced his preference for Pittsburgh. Tomlin, who has maintained a sterling coaching record with the Steelers over 17 seasons, will offer Fields the opportunity to learn and develop behind Russell Wilson.
The Vikings losing Kirk Cousins in free agency likely diminished their appeal to Fields, as facing him twice annually wouldn't have aligned with the Bears' interests. Similarly, despite Luke Getsy's presence as offensive coordinator with the Raiders, Fields may have been dissuaded by their ongoing quarterback search and previous lack of synergy.
The Falcons, rooted in Fields' Georgia hometown, held a strong allure, but ultimately opted for Cousins. Pickett's move to the Eagles cleared a path for Fields to back up Wilson in Pittsburgh.
Despite receiving a better offer elsewhere, the Bears chose to honor Fields' preference, reflecting Poles' respect for the quarterback's wishes. With USC's Caleb Williams likely to be their top pick in the upcoming draft, the Bears could have maximized Fields' trade value by waiting, but instead, they prioritized his interests.
While Fields may initially serve as Wilson's understudy, his one-year deal and the impending decision on his fifth-year option by May 2 offer future possibilities. Whether he immediately challenges for the starting role or provides insurance, Fields presents the Steelers with a promising future asset.
As Tomlin affirmed at the owner's meetings, "Rest assured when it's time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete." Thus, while Fields' immediate ascent may not be guaranteed, his potential impact on the Steelers is undeniable.
| POLL | ||
29 MARS | 67 ANSWERS The Bears fielded ''at least one superior offer'' for Justin Fields Should NFL teams prioritize player preferences over better trade offers? | ||
| Yes | 15 | 22.4 % |
| No | 52 | 77.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
