Multiple reasons went into the Chicago Bears’ decision to trade Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. For one, GM Ryan Poles felt the team had an opportunity to upgrade at the position with the #1 overall pick. There was Fields’ growing track record of getting injured due to his play style. It was also hard to ignore the fact this regime didn’t draft him. That is always a factor in such decisions. However, one big focal point of the move was money. Fields is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The 5th-year option would’ve cost over $25 million. Chicago almost would’ve been forced to consider a small extension for him, which might’ve gone even higher.
If people needed a reminder of how crazy the quarterback market is, the Jacksonville Jaguars provided it. Word dropped that the organization had reached a five-year extension with Trevor Lawrence. It goes for $275 million, which averages out to $55 million per year. That is the same amount as Joe Burrow. Keep in mind Lawrence has a passer rating of 91.9 over the past two seasons, with a 17-16 record. His lone foray into the playoffs involved two highly inconsistent performances.
This guy now makes more per year than Patrick Mahomes.
Justin Fields likely would’ve commanded big money, too.
Not money at that level, but in the Daniel Jones range. That amounts to $40 million per year. That is what the NFL considers on the cheaper side these days. It is a glaring reminder of how out of control the quarterback market has become. Teams are so desperate for stability at the position that they will pay ludicrous amounts of money to even the mediocre ones. Chicago didn’t want to imagine a scenario where they were stuck in the same situation with Fields. Better to start fresh.
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Caleb Williams provides them with four additional years of cheap play at the position and might be an instant upgrade as a passer. It is easy to understand why the Bears went in that direction. Justin Fields’ contract is the Steelers’ problem now. This might explain why they intend to keep him as a backup. Doing so would ensure he doesn’t perform too well going into free agency next off-season. That means they might be able to keep him at a reduced rate. Chicago never would’ve been able to sell that.
