“Why You Disrespecting Justin Fields”: Former Eagles’ WR Defends QB As Bears’ Trade Ends in Backup Stint

In just the first week of free agency, there have been a lot of big moves. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson were traded to the Steelers. And Kenny Pickett was traded off to the Eagles. Now with one veteran QB, and one former Bears’ No. 1 Draft pick, the Steelers could be looking at a revival. But many are also questioning if Fields will be of any help since his 2023 season with the Bears was not exactly stellar.

DeSean Jackson jumped to his rescue and defended him from criticism. Sure, Justin may not have been the QB Chicago had hoped for, but it would be unfair to lay the blame on his shoulders alone. There were a lot of other external factors at play as well.

Jackson blames the squad for Fields’ poor performance

In a candid exchange, former Eagles WR DeSean Jackson leaped to the defense of QB Justin Fields amidst discussions of his role following the Bears’ recent trade. Jackson asked what Fields’ status would be in Pittsburgh. LeSean McCoy blurted out, “Backup!” Jackson couldn’t; disagree with him more. “Why are you disrespecting Justin Fields?” he challenged. McCoy said that it was not just his opinion, but the Steelers’ HC thought so as well. “Mike Tomlin said it, the Bears said it, his play said it.”

The conversation took a deeper turn as Jackson highlighted the systemic challenges Fields faced during his tenure with the Bears. From frequent changes in the OC to a lack of support from the O-line, Jackson said Fields was a talented player restrained by his team. “He’s running around. He’s being a running back more than he was drafted to be a quarterback,” Jackson lamented, pointing to the misalignment between Fields’ potential and the role he was forced into due to the team’s shortcomings.

But that is probably the price Fields had to pay for getting to play in his favorite team.

Justin Fields blocked 4 offers before joining the Steelers

Before finding his new football home with the Steelers, Justin Fields had his heart set on Pittsburgh. He had turned away interest from four other NFL teams. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Fields’ representatives were clear in their communications, stating he “asked for him not to be traded there” as Fields had his sights set on joining the Steelers.

Bears’ GM Ryan Poles was in tune with Fields’ preference, facilitating a move that honored the QB’s wishes. Per Rapoport’s report, “He wanted the #Steelers, and the #Bears did right by him.” The details of the four other teams remain under wraps. In the trade, the Steelers committed to a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for Fields.

It may come as a downgrade after he played 13 games as a starter for the Bears, but it looks like he’s willing to sacrifice that. Now with both Wilson and Fields, it seems that the Steelers could very possibly be in the running for the playoffs in the 2024 season.

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