Chicago Bears Trade Justin Fields to Pittsburgh Steelers | Weekly NFL Content Roundup
The News and Analysis You May Have Missed From Frenzied Free Agency Opening
Saturday, the Chicago Bears found their dance partner, finally, trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Chicago Bears in a move that became predictable Friday afternoon.
As it turns out, the market for Fields was far, far softer than most anticipated, as the former No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft fetched the Bears a meager sixth-round pick that can become a fourth-round selection if Fields hits playing time incentives.
The Bears now clear the path for the Caleb Williams era to begin. In Pittsburgh, Fields gets to push Russell Wilson for the starting job, and just might be the Steelers’ quarterback of the future.
Does anyone really believe Wilson will start 17 games for the Steelers this season? I certainly do not.
Here’s a look back at the headlines, news, and analysis you may have missed from a wild first week of NFL free agency:
Eagles Praised for ‘Textbook’ Free Agency Haul
Howie Roseman has earned a distinction as one of the more aggressive general managers across the NFL, and the Philadelphia Eagles‘ haul in the early stages of free agency only bolsters that reputation.
After all, the Eagles went shopping at the top of the free agent market and came away with running back Saquon Barkley, edge rusher Bryce Huff, and veteran linebackers Devin White and Zack Baun, among others, fortifying a roster that’s one year removed from the second Super Bowl appearance of Roseman’s tenure.
Pro Football Focus gives Roseman and the Eagles high marks for their recent additions. READ MORE: Heavy.com
Minnesota Vikings Trade Reveals Bold 2024 NFL Draft Strategy
The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to ship a pair of second-round picks and a fifth-round selection to the Houston Texans in exchange for a package that includes the No. 23 overall pick in this year’s draft reveals a clear and bold strategy by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. READ MORE
Where do Cowboys Go From Here After Missing Out on Aaron Jones, Derrick Henry?
Free agency was always going to be a struggle for the Dallas Cowboys.
Given that the Cowboys have yet to find common ground on a contract extension or a restructured deal with quarterback Dak Prescott, much of the top talent available in free agency was quickly scooped up by teams with significantly more spending flexibility under the salary cap than Dallas’ $8.8 million.
After Tony Pollard departed for the Tennessee Titans, Saquon Barkley went off the board from the division-rival New York Giants to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, and D’Andre Swift came to terms on a new contract with the upstart Chicago Bears, the loaded running back market is suddenly looking pretty thin.
Buffalo Bills Criticized For Handling of NFL Free Agency
It isn’t inconceivable that the Buffalo Bills take a significant step back in 2024, and if that comes to pass, how general manager Brandon Beane has handled free agency may be the beginning of the end of the franchise’s run as a Super Bowl contender.
In fairness to Beane, the Bills entered the offseason with one of the most difficult salary cap positions in the league, and Buffalo deserves high marks for restructuring quarterback Josh Allen‘s contract in order to create some additional spending flexibility in 2024 and future years.
However, the Buffalo Bills are going to be without some stalwarts on both sides of the football that powered this era’s run of sustained postseason success. READ MORE
Giants, Joe Schoen Deserve High Praise for Brian Burns Blockbuster Trade
The New York Giants and general manager Joe Schoen pulled off what has the potential to be one of the more impactful moves of the first day of the legal tampering period, by acquiring All-Pro pass rusher Brian Burns in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers.
Schoen pried away Burns for a meager second-round and fifth-round draft pick, adding a player who many around the league believe to be one of the premier players at his position. READ MORE