Terry Bradshaw: Steelers Trading for Justin Fields Would be ‘Huge Mistake’

While most analysts seem enthralled by the idea of the Pittsburgh Steelers getting Justin Fields, not everyone is in favor of the move. Steve Wyche threw some cold water on that idea on Wednesday, saying that Arthur Smith never really wanted him in Atlanta. And the latest to speak out about the possibly is former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw believes that it would be a huge mistake.

“They’re going to beat Pickett up and they’re going to want to trade for Fields in Chicago,” Bradshaw said on the Rich Eisen Show. “I say that’s a huge mistake. You don’t need Fields. Stay with what you got. Just build him up. Get him another receiver. Get him another explosive tight end. have the ability to protect him.”

It seems unlikely that the Steelers will trade for Fields, who will probably cost at least a second-day pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. President Art Rooney II said as much earlier this month, and the Steelers are not looking for a quarterback to replace Kenny Pickett as the team’s starter, multiple outlets have reported.

That hasn’t stopped the speculation linking the Steelers and Fields from swirling, but Wyche brings up a good point that the fit isn’t even a particularly obvious one, in addition to the obvious reasons why the move is unlikely.

The Falcons had the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, with quarterbacks going 1-2-3 ahead of them. The Jacksonville Jaguars surprised no one by taking Trevor Lawrence. Zach Wilson was an upset pick to go to the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers traded up to get Trey Lance at No. 3. That left the Falcons on the clock and Fields the only realistic option at quarterback.

But the Falcons took tight end Kyle Pitts instead, a player that always seemed to be a questionable fit in Smith’s offense and never reached his full potential.

Justin Fields took a small step forward in 2023, his third year as Chicago’s starting quarterback. The 24-year-old Ohio State alum threw 370 times, completing 227 for 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns. He threw nine interceptions and maintained an 86.3 passer rating and a 5.29 adjusted net yards per attempt.

Last season, he was 192 of 318 for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, an 85.2 quarterback rating and 4.63 adjusted net yards per attempt.

Fields is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Bears — or another team, if he’s traded — must decide this offseason if they want to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract. That would be a guaranteed $25 million contract for 2025. The Bears or another club could also attempt to negotiate a traditional contract extension.