Even with a low trade value, he still has potential to be a special and better player

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In just three seasons, Justin Fields went from being viewed as a franchise quarterback to being ignored by the Chicago Bears.

For a once-promising first-round choice, it’s quite the tumble.

In the first few days of the NFL’s free-agent frenzy last week, more than a dozen quarterbacks changed teams. Fields was traded by the Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025.

If Fields plays a larger role than anticipated, the selection moves up to the fourth round. He’s heading to Pittsburgh to support Russell Wilson, offer insurance, and perhaps even have another opportunity to start in the future.

It was expected that Fields would be traded, as the Bears would have the chance to choose Caleb Williams with the first pick in the NFL draft next month. The shocking thing was that they essentially handed him away.

In Chicago, Fields wasn’t all that bad. Even at the age of 25, he displayed glimpses of exceptional talent. In 2022, he was even voted fifth-place AP NFL MVP.

Fields had two stellar seasons at Ohio State, and the Bears selected him with the 11th overall choice in 2021. They didn’t offer him much of an opportunity to succeed after that, though. Fields had three seasons as a starting player for awful teams that finished 10-28 under two different coaches and two different offensive coordinators.

Still, he showed off his natural talent and produced some impressive plays with his legs and arm. Although it was insufficient to persuade the Bears to continue with him, the team bears greater responsibility for Fields’ lack of progress.

Fields threw for 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions while completing 60.3% of his throws. In addition, he scored 14 touchdowns and gained 2,220 yards through his running. In their first three seasons, only Lamar Jackson and Cam Newton had at least 40 touchdown passes and 2,000 yards of rushing.

On a 3-14 squad in 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns while passing for 17 touchdowns.

There’s no denying his brilliance. He needs a stronger supporting cast and greater coaching. That may come from the Steelers.

Fields steps aside for the time being and gets the chance to pick the brain of a future Hall of Fame quarterback who has just faced some difficulties. Wilson, who spent two difficult years in Denver, has a lot to prove in Pittsburgh. The Steelers might swiftly turn to Fields if he performs poorly.

Wilson will only receive the veteran’s minimum salary of $1.21 million, so head coach Mike Tomlin won’t need to wait around.

After sending Philadelphia a 2022 first-round pick in Kenny Pickett along with a fourth-round pick in exchange for a third and two sevenths, the Steelers were left without a backup quarterback. Fields has more upside, but they lost out on more for Pickett.

Four clubs expressed interest in trading for Fields, but he declined them all, a source with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Due to the private nature of trade negotiations, the speaker only agreed to remain anonymous.

Fields’ market was dry, but the Bears could have dealt him to any team that made the best offer because he had no no-trade clause. That was partly due to his contract. Although Fields’ current salary is $3.2 million, he has a $25.7 million fifth-year option expiring in 2025.

Chicago general manager Ryan Poles stated, “We have had numerous trade discussions in the last few weeks and feel that trading Justin to Pittsburgh at this time is what is best for both Justin and the Bears.”

Deals for backup quarterbacks were made by several teams, but it’s unclear which ones targeted Fields.

Fields after Jalen Hurts would have been a terrific fit for the Eagles. Sam Howell was acquired by the Seahawks from Washington. Mac Jones was traded to the Jaguars. After Kirk Cousins was signed by Atlanta, Desmond Ridder was acquired by the Cardinals. Drew Lock was dealt to the Giants.

QBs were signed by Jacoby Brissett of the Patriots, Mason Rudolph of the Raiders, Joe Flacco of the Colts, James Winston and Tyler Huntley of the Browns, Jimmy Garoppolo of the Rams, Sam Darnold of the Vikings, Tyrod Taylor of the Jets, Josh Dobbs of the 49ers, Mitchell Trubisky of the Bills, and Marcus Mariota of the Commanders.

Fields was one of five quarterbacks selected in the first round of 2021 and the fourth overall. Trevor Lawrence (No. 1) of Jacksonville is the only player still starting. Zach Wilson (No. 2) is waiting on a trade or release from the New York Jets after losing his job to Aaron Rodgers the previous season. Last year, Trey Lance (number three) was dealt from San Francisco to Dallas. Last week, Jones (No. 15) was traded by New England to the Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round selection.

Fields still has a chance to top the group. He needs more time to prove it first.