The Pittsburgh Steelers almost lost Justin Fields to their AFC North rivals

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, but now enter Week 4 undefeated behind Justin Fields and with a rapidly improving offense.

But things almost didn’t go their way for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh’s original plan this offseason was to use Wilson and Kenny Pickett at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears were trying to figure out whether they would trade Fields and sign Caleb Williams or stick with Fields and go a different direction in the NFL Draft.

After Pickett announced he wanted to leave Pittsburgh, general manager Omar Khan completed a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Next thing you know, he was also putting the finishing touches on a deal with the Bears, bringing Fields to the Steelers in the AFC North.

However, he almost ended up in a different AFC North jersey. On Cam Heyward’s podcast: Not just footballFields said one of the teams pursuing him this offseason was the Baltimore Ravens. The Los Angeles Chargers were another name to keep an eye on. Ultimately, the Bears listened to Fields and sent him to Pittsburgh, a team without a permanent quarterback.

If Fields did end up in Baltimore, he would spend the season behind Lamar Jackson but add another dynamic passer to the offense that could have made things more difficult for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are very grateful that they chose the former first-round pick in the end over any team, but especially Baltimore.

Fields is 3-0 and completed 55 of 75 passes for 518 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He also rushed for 90 yards and a touchdown.