Justin Fields pens heartfelt statement after trade to Steelers

After just three seasons, the Justin Fields era in Chicago is over. The Bears are sending the former Ohio State star to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a sixth-round pick with conditions, according to multiple reports – paving the way for Caleb Williams to take over as quarterback.

After the news came out, Fields took to social media to release a statement thanking Bears fans for their support during his time with the franchise after they traded up to select him in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Fields’ future came into question as the Carolina Panthers eventually clinched the No. 1 pick. That selection headed to Chicago as part of last year’s trade, meaning the Bears got the chance to select Williams, who’s widely considered the top prospect in this year’s draft.

Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me. Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played… pic.twitter.com/fT1dORwFU5

— Justin Fields (@justnfields) March 16, 2024

That means Fields’ time in Chicago is over.

“Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me,” Fields wrote. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!”

Justin Fields turned in the best statistical year of his NFL career, even despite missing four games due to a thumb injury. He threw for 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns as the Bears went 7-10 in 2023. Still, questions came up about his performance in key moments, particularly in the fourth quarter.

But as Carolina inched closer to the No. 1 overall pick, which would go to Chicago and give them the first shot at Williams, the question became whether the Bears would stick with Fields after move on. That answer came Saturday.

Pittsburgh immediately came up as a potential destination – and was the betting favorite at one point. But that came into question after the Steelers signed Russell Wilson. However, the franchise became back in play after trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. That left a spot for Fields to land and learn from Wilson since the two have similar skillsets.

Fields previously stated on “The St. Brown Bros” podcast with Bears wideout Equanimeous St. Brown and Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown that he wanted to stay with the Bears.

“Yeah, of course. Of course, I wanna stay,” Fields said. “I can’t see myself playing in another place. If it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city … The fans there are great. It’s a business I ain’t got no control over, so whatever happens, happens. I feel like the biggest thing with all this going on right now [is] I just want it to be over. Like, just let me know if I’m getting traded [or] let me know if I’m staying.”