Bears GM Ryan Poles breaks silence on trading Justin Fields to Steelers amid Caleb Williams buzz before the NFL Draft

The Bears traded Justin Fields in exchange for a third-day pick in 2025.

Bears GM Ryan Poles breaks silence on trading Justin Fields to Steelers amid Caleb Williams buzz before the NFL Draft

Caleb Williams, Ryan Pole and Justin Fields (Via Imago/Chicago Bears)

This week, the Chicago Bears finally took the most awaited decision – trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With this offseason move, it became apparent who the franchise wants to make a starter next season, as all signs lead to the USC star quarterback. 

The Bears traded Fields in exchange for a third-day pick in 2025, which is basically the sixth-round pick that may convert to fourth-round if the quarterback plays 51 percent of his total offensive snaps with the Steelers next season. Fields’ future with the Steelers has been one of the hottest topics this offseason, given that the Bears have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and are most likely to take in a quarterback. 

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Top on the list is Caleb Williams, who has many times addressed his potential future with the Bears. And with Fields’ departure, it became more true. 

FS Video

With Fields’ trade, some would say, the franchise became a bit hasty and failed to wait for a better offer. They intend to clear out his major quarterback dilemma and move on to the next chapter. Speaking of which, General Manager Ryan Poles finally addressed the quarterback’s trade to the Steelers, thanking him for his contributions to the Bears. 

Poles said:

We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in recent weeks and believe trading Justin at this time to Pittsburgh is what is best for both Justin and the Bears. Today we spoke to Justin to inform him of the trade and the rationale behind it for us as a club.
Ryan Poles said in a statement

Justin Fields ready for the next chapter of his career

After the trade became official on Saturday, the 25-year-old penned a heartfelt message for the Bears and his fans. It was a farewell note, where the quarterback thanked the franchise for drafting him back in 2021 and making him a starter. 

Justin Fields
Justin Fields (Via Imago)

Fields wrote on X:

Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise.
Justin Fields wrote on X

He also gave a shout-out to his teammates, saying they were the reason why he attacked the opponents as he did on the football field. 

Fields had a completion percentage of 60.3 for 6,674 yards with 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions along with 2,220 rushing yards, 14 TDs on 356 carries, and an 82.3 passer rating. He said he was ready for the next chapter in his final goodbye. 

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