Winners & Losers from Justin Fields Trade

The Justin Fields saga finally reached its conclusion when Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles traded the former first-round quarterback to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round selection. It could become a fourth-round pick if Fields meets play-time incentives. We’ve identified four total winners and losers from the Fields trade.

WINNER: CALEB WILLIAMS

Fields’ official departure paves the way for the Bears to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Every prospect hopes to position themselves to be the top overall pick. Williams will realize his goal now that the Bears have mutually parted ways with Fields. Williams will inherit a strong new-look supporting cast that includes D.J. Moore, D’Andre Swift, and Keenan Allen.

LOSER: 2024 NFL DRAFT CAPITAL

Ryan Poles’ failure to receive a selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is disappointing. The Bears were left with four selections in the upcoming draft after flipping one for Allen. Acquiring immediate draft capital in exchange for Fields was the ultimate goal, and a second-or-third-round pick was the initial asking price. Fields was traded for less than Mac Jones, Sam Howell, and Desmond Ridder, to name a few less-talented quarterbacks who fetched more capital. Poles has to admit defeat on the Fields negotiations.

WINNER: PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers have made shrewd moves at quarterback this offseason. They signed former Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million. Acquiring Fields for a 2025 sixth-round pick helps the Steelers revamp what’s now a more talented quarterback room. Fields will work behind Wilson this season as an ascending quarterback on a manageable contract. If Wilson struggles with inconsistency or injury, the Steelers will possess a capable backup in Fields that may still be their long-term franchise quarterback.

LOSER: RUSSELL WILSON

That brings us to our final loser, new Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson will have Fields breathing over his shoulder. If Wilson’s tenure in Pittsburgh mirrors his time in Denver, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may be tempted to see what Fields offers the offense. If the Steelers possessed 100% confidence in Wilson, they wouldn’t have acquired Fields. The Steelers have already placed Wilson on notice.