Over the past few weeks, it did not seem like there was a particularly robust trade market for former Chicago Bears starting quarterback Justin Fields after teams around the league presumably opted for different options at quarterback instead of acquiring Fields in a trade with the Bears. But apparently, there was a lot more interest in Fields than it seems.
According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, there were at least four more teams that were interested in trading for Justin Fields before he was ultimately traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Important note on the Justin Fields trade: At least four additional teams inquired about trading for Fields, but Fields’ representation asked for him not to be traded there. He wanted the #Steelers, and the #Bears did right by him,” Rapoport said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
Important note on the Justin Fields trade: At least four additional teams inquired about trading for Fields, but Fields’ representation asked for him not to be traded there. He wanted the #Steelers, and the #Bears did right by him. https://t.co/jE65yV0jzm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2024
Obviously, this is some pretty shocking news considering how the past few weeks played out, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it on social media.
So Justin had four other teams who were wanting him.
However him and his team said they wanted Pittsburgh.
Poles swearing to do right by his wishes if he decides to trade him and held up to it and honored him with where he wanted.
Huge respect to Mr. Poles.
Huge shoutout for… https://t.co/3KjQfo5Ocy
— Baku 🐧 (@Mazursky8895) March 17, 2024
If you wonder why Tomlin is so important to the organization, this is why. https://t.co/8yuEPnjJuG
— MinkahBurgh Steelers (@SteelersWin109) March 17, 2024
Classy move by Ryan Poles – a man of his word. Respect. https://t.co/oSGu5iefsB
— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) March 18, 2024
This is such a rare scenario. Ryan Poles didn’t have to acquiesce to Fields or his agent’s request. He could have taken the best deal outright.
Instead, Poles gave up what little leverage he had in order to make sure he was doing right by a guy he didn’t draft. https://t.co/mKTk6bVI0G
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) March 17, 2024
FYI (especially for those casting aspersions about his supposed value) https://t.co/yQIVua1s9y
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) March 17, 2024
Another factor fans forget is that GMs can't control free will. https://t.co/kEfymeMcgr
— Kei (@RealMamaEagle) March 17, 2024
Its OVER with!!!
The “nobody wants Fields” narrative is DEAD as I’ve said all along.
Poles DID RIGHT BY JUSTIN! https://t.co/B9eh4qzNsQ
— Sadeek 🪐 (@SadeekNextWave) March 17, 2024
Fields will not have a clear path to starting for the Steelers as he’d have to first beat out Russell Wilson for the role, but it sounds like Pittsburgh was where he wanted to be.
