NFL Execs says the Bears got bullied during the Fields' trade talks
Last month, the Chicago Bears' trade decision involving quarterback Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers left many baffled, including some NFL insiders.
In a conversation with Mike Sando of The Athletic, an unnamed NFL executive shared thoughts on the contentious transaction:
"It seemed like they caved in or capitulated. Initially, their asking price was likely too steep, but as time passed without much interest, they had to readjust. I'm puzzled by the trade because if a team faces an injury or misses out on their desired quarterback, the asking price could have gone higher."
The anticipation of Fields' trade during this offseason was widespread, given the Bears' possession of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, presenting an opportunity to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Nonetheless, the meager return garnered by the Bears was unforeseen.
The Steelers merely relinquished a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick to acquire Fields, with the potential for it to upgrade to a fourth-round pick if Fields participates in at least 51 percent of the team's offensive snaps in 2024.
Considering the Steelers' acquisition of veteran Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, it's improbable for the conditions to be met unless Wilson sustains an injury.
The exact trade demands of the Bears at the outset of the offseason remain unclear. However, in January, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler disclosed that league evaluators assessed Fields' value at a second- or third-round pick in an informal poll among NFL teams.
Ultimately, the Bears fell far short of that valuation, possibly due to delaying the trade process. By the time Chicago eventually traded Fields, most teams had already addressed their quarterback requirements through free agency or were planning to do so in the early stages of the draft.
It was widely assumed that a team would be willing to part with a Day 2 draft pick to secure the 25-year-old Fields and provide him with an opportunity to start in 2024. However, he now serves as a clear backup for the Steelers, acquired at a significantly reduced price.
The Bears could have prolonged negotiations in hopes of a more favorable offer from a desperate team. Yet, it's likely they sought to avoid any potential tension with both Fields and the anticipated No. 1 overall pick being on the roster simultaneously.
Chicago likely aimed to establish unequivocally to Williams or their chosen draft pick that they are the franchise quarterback, hence their willingness to accept a lesser return for Fields to facilitate this transition.
| POLL | ||
3 AVRIL | 95 ANSWERS NFL Execs says the Bears got bullied during the Fields' trade talks Do you think the Chicago Bears made the right choice trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 48.4 % |
| No | 49 | 51.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
