Steelers QB Justin Fields Sends Strong Message to Bears GM Ryan Poles

Bears Fields

When Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles decided to trade former first-round quarterback Justin Fields, he did so with the idea that he wanted to put the QB in the best position to succeed in the next phase of his career.

Poles came to terms on a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who traded a conditional late-round pick to acquire Fields as Russell Wilson?s backup to start.

In his first comments since joining the team, Fields had nothing but praise for Poles.

Steelers’ Justin Fields Sends Shout Out to Bears Ryan Poles

Justin Fields Appreciates Ryan Poles for Trading Him to Steelers

“Shoutout to Poles, we communicated to him through my agent, and I told him where I wanted to be and this was a place I wanted to be,? Fields said, per ESPN?s Brooke Pryor on May 21. ?He honored that and I appreciate him for that and glad he was able to put me in a spot where I wanted to be at.”

Much discussion has gone into Poles? decision, especially after the work that has gone into surrounding Fields? successor, No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, with as much support as possible this offseason.

Despite the narrative that emerged during the season, Poles clarified that they felt they were out of time with Fields.

The former No. 11 overall pick is in the final year of his contract.

Rather than risk paying him for what they thought he could still become, the Bears decided to reset the clock. The only question is whether they can build off the momentum they had towards the end of last season.

Justin Fields Ready to Start Over

?Speaking for the first time since the trade, Justin Fields said he told his agent he wanted to be in Pittsburgh, but he thought the door shut on the Steelers when the team signed Russell Wilson,? Pryor reported on X on May 21. ?Fields? agent let him know soon after that Pickett may be traded, keeping Pittsburgh in play.?

Fields has to play at least 51% of the offensive snaps in 2024 for the Bears to receive a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Otherwise, they will get a sixth-rounder.

If Fields has any say in the matter ? and he does ? he will hit that mark.

?To be honest, I?m taking it day by day. I?m definitely competing. I think Russ knows that. We?re competing against each other every day. Him being out there for me helps me getting better. Us pushing each other,? Fields told reporters on May 21. ?I definitely don?t have the mindset of me just sitting all year.?

Fields? comments made clear his and Wilson?s is not an adversarial relationship.

?I?m coming in giving all I got, pushing him to be his best,? Fields said. ?And he?s pushing me to be my best each and every day so, appreciate that.?