Justin Fields Reveals Trade Interest from Chargers, Raiders, and Ravens
Justin Fields made headlines this offseason when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional late-round draft pick. However, the former Chicago Bears quarterback recently shared on the “Not Just Football” podcast with teammate Cameron Heyward that several other teams had also expressed interest in acquiring him before the 2024 season.
“I’m not sure of all the teams,” Fields said, as reported by NBC Sports, “but there were a lot of teams that already had solidified quarterbacks, and I didn’t want to do that. Chargers were one, Ravens were another. Raiders, they talked a little bit. I don’t know too much. Who else was in there, I don’t know, but a lot of teams had solidified quarterbacks who just got new contracts, so I didn’t want to [go] there.”
This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations that ultimately led to Fields landing in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers had already signed Russell Wilson at the time of the trade, Wilson’s one-year contract and subsequent calf injury opened the door for Fields to step in and make an impact for the team.
Interest from Other Teams
The Chargers, Ravens, and Raiders were among the teams that expressed interest in acquiring Fields before he was traded to Pittsburgh. Each team had its own reasons for pursuing the talented quarterback, but ultimately, Fields ended up with the Steelers where he has found success on the field.
The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, were looking to bolster their quarterback depth by potentially adding Fields to their roster. However, they ultimately acquired Taylor Heinicke in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons to serve as Herbert’s backup.
The Ravens, on the other hand, stuck with veteran Josh Johnson as the primary backup to reigning MVP Lamar Jackson. Despite their interest in Fields, the Ravens opted to stick with their current quarterback situation rather than making a move for the young signal-caller.
The Raiders, who already had Aidan O’Connell as their starting quarterback, signed Gardner Minshew to provide competition at the position. While they were in talks with Fields, the Raiders ultimately decided to stick with their current roster and did not make a move for the talented quarterback.
Success in Pittsburgh
Since joining the Steelers, Fields has made an immediate impact on the field. In his first three starts, he has led the team to a perfect 3-0 record while completing a career-high 73.3% of his passes. Coach Mike Tomlin has been impressed with Fields’ performance and has announced that he will make a fourth consecutive start against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fields’ success in Pittsburgh highlights his talent and potential as a franchise quarterback. Despite the interest from multiple teams, Fields has found a home with the Steelers and is making the most of his opportunity to lead the team to victory.
In conclusion, Justin Fields’ disclosure of trade interest from the Chargers, Ravens, and Raiders provides insight into the negotiations that led to his move to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While multiple teams had interest in acquiring Fields, it was ultimately the Steelers who were able to secure the talented quarterback. Fields’ success in Pittsburgh has validated the team’s decision to trade for him and has showcased his potential as a future star in the NFL.
