Justin Fields fended off a trade before landing with the Steelers

NFL

By Jacqueline Hendrix

Former Bears quarterback Justin Fields only wanted Pittsburgh as his next NFL home.

Four NFL teams inquired about the 25-year-old quarterback before his trade to the Steelers on Saturday at Bears Field, whose camp asked him not to be traded there because he “loves the Steelers.” NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday.

The four prosecutors were not named.

Fields' move from Chicago comes a day after the Steelers traded third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Eagles — where he now backs up starter Jalen Hurts — after Pittsburgh agreed to a one-year deal with Russell Wilson.

Wilson, who spent two disappointing seasons in Denver, welcomed Fields on Saturday. Posting on X: “Let's get it @justnfields! There should be room for a QB [fire emoji].”

Fields, the Bears' 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been at the center of trade speculation for months as Chicago is expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick in this year's draft.

The Bears all showed their hand by trading fields on Saturday.

“I can't thank the city of Chicago enough for taking me in and embracing me.” Written by Fields In a farewell message on Saturday. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and franchise for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to all of my brothers that I played with. You are all the reason I hit the way I do every day. For what you have shown me through the ups and downs of the last 3 years, you all are enough. Can't thank you enough. Wish each of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!”

The Steelers traded a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for Fields, who could become a fourth-rounder in 2024 if the quarterback plays 51 percent of the snaps. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Upon entering Pittsburgh, Fields was told by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin that the 35-year-old Wilson would start. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported Saturday.

The first week of NFL free agency was an exciting game of quarterback musical chairs.

In addition to Fields and Wilson going to Pittsburgh, the Vikings saw their current former quarterback, Kirk Cousins, land a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons.

Joe Flacco, coming off a playoff appearance with the Browns, joined the Colts on a one-year deal worth $8.7 million.

The Commanders and Patriots, who traded rookies Sam Howell and Mack Jones to the Seahawks and Jaguars, respectively, are expected to select quarterbacks with picks two and three after Chicago at No. 1 in the 2024 NFL Draft.