Sep 25, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) passes in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field. Chicago defeated Houston 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Houston Texans at Chicago Bears
CHICAGO — Speculation is running high that Justin Fields’ tenure in Chicago may be coming to an end.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles is clearly unafraid to complete a blockbuster offseason trade. Last year he acquired multiple first round picks from Carolina (and DJ Moore) in exchange for the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. Will he swing a trade once again?
With draft season nearly upon us, Chicago is in prime position to select USC QB and former Heisman winner Caleb Williams number one overall. So, odds are the incumbent Fields is out.
A potential landing is the Pittsburgh Steelers, coming off a 10-7 season in which their offense largely held the team back. After Kenny Pickett went down with injury in week 12, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph split time under center for Pittsburgh — but the offense continued to struggle.
With Fields likely available, Pittsburgh GM Omar Khan could potentially look to take a flier on the 24-year-old quarterback who’s displayed electrifying potential at times. While the book is still open on Pickett’s career, taking a chance on Fields could make sense for a team that’s performed below its historical standards following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
Considering Pittsburgh finished 13th in rushing yards per game (118.2/game), adding Fields could significantly boost the ground game alongside Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
In reality, effectively moving the ball through the air is the team’s greater concern. The Steelers passing attack posted the league’s eighth worst in pass yards per game (186.1/game). Fields did miss time with injury, but youth is on his side.
At just 24 there’s still time to pair him with an offensive system that could elevate his passing numbers.
