Although Justin Fields is no longer the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback, he still feels a deep affection for the city and the supporters who helped him along the way.
Fields talked candidly about his trade from the Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 16 in an interview with First Down Magazine. He also shared some heartfelt farewells to his teammates and the Chicago fans who had supported him.
On March 15, Fields said from Milan, Italy, where he was co-hosting a football camp with Christian Wilkins, “The city of Chicago, my teammates, they know I love them.”
“I’ve loved them since Day 1 and I’ve created bonds with my colleagues that will last a lifetime. Just thankful for them and the supporters who have supported us through good times and bad, as well as successful and unsuccessful seasons. You know, come rain or shine, they’ve always turned up. They come out and support us when it’s chilly outside. My brothers, who are also my teammates, already know how much I adore them.
Following Fields’ trade to the Bears, a number of his teammates expressed their opinions. Prominent wide receiver DJ Moore posted the straightforward statement “Business is business” on X. Some, like as Jaquan Brisker, a powerful safety, appeared to take things more seriously and wrote, “Don’t talk to me.”
Bears tight end Cole Kmet stated on March 18 on the CHGO Bears podcast, “I was planning to hit the city and go out, but then I got a call from Flus [head coach Matt Eberflus] and the people with the Bears, and decided to stay in after the news with Justin.” things was obviously really painful that things had come to that and that was the situation at hand, but you felt as though the writing was on the wall.
There’s Good Reason for Bears Fans to Support Justin Fields
Fields is no longer with the Bears, who will almost definitely select their new player with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons for the Bears organization and fan base to continue supporting Fields’ success in Pittsburgh.
Fields was dealt by the Bears to the Steelers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2025, which becomes a fourth-round pick if Fields plays fifty-one percent of the team’s snaps in 2024. Put another way, if Fields advances up the depth chart and unseats seasoned starter Russell Wilson of the Steelers—whether via ability or injury—the Bears will receive a fourth-round selection.
Over the course of his 38 starts and 40 career games for the Bears over the previous three seasons, Fields completed 60.3% of his passes (578 of 958) for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. Along with scoring 14 further touchdowns and rushing for 2,220 yards, he concluded 2022 with the second-most rushing yards (1,143) of any NFL quarterback.
Fields might benefit from a new beginning, though. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler, will be a valuable mentor to him. Additionally, he has Mike Tomlin as his head coach, who has reportedly “long loved” the former Ohio State quarterback, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington. The road to 51% of snaps is not easy, but it is still able to be traveled.
Next on the Bears’ QB search is Caleb Williams’ Pro Day.
By dealing Fields, the Bears have effectively confirmed another one: they will select a rookie quarterback in the draft the following month to start for the team. A rookie quarterback is now almost a certain, regardless of whether they follow the majority’s predictions and remain at No. 1 to choose Caleb Williams of USC or take a surprising turn.
What comes next in the assessment procedure? Williams’ 20th March pro day.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles will be among those there at USC’s pro day to see Williams throw, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter verified on Wednesday morning. Getting a real, in-person look will be helpful in Chicago’s entire evaluation process, as he did not throw at the 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis a few weeks ago.
The Bears intend to invite Williams to Chicago for his top-30 visit, as Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer later confirmed. Although the two parties decided on a later date, the Bears had originally planned to welcome Williams for his visit soon after the combine.
Though most Bears fans are mostly focused on Williams, Chicago still needs to check off a few other pro days and boxes before making their final preparations. J.J. McCarthy of Michigan will hold his pro day on Friday, March 22. Jayden Daniels of LSU and Drake Maye of UNC, who are expected to be among the first three picks along with Williams, are working out the following week.
After Williams’ top-30 visit, the Bears may conclude they’ve seen enough and wish to select him with the first overall choice, but it’s crucial to do your research. At the very least, the Bears should be present at the pro days of the other three quarterbacks.
