Bears trade QB Fields to Steelers
The Chicago Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, clearing the way for them to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 pick — perhaps the University of Southern California’s Caleb Williams.
The Bears received a 2025 sixth-round draft pick that could potentially become a fourth-rounder.
“We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in recent weeks and believe trading Justin at this time to Pittsburgh is what is best for both Justin and the Bears,” Chicago general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement.
“We want to thank him for his tireless dedication, leadership and all he poured into our franchise and community the last three years and wish him the best towards a long and successful NFL career.”
Fields thanked Chicago and the organization, as well as his teammates in a post on X.
“Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me,” Fields tweeted. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs.
“Ready for this next chapter!”
Fields figures to back up nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, who signed a oneyear deal with the Steelers on Friday. Pittsburgh traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to Philadelphia once it added Wilson.
Fields, drafted 11th overall in 2021 by the Bears and former GM Ryan Pace, struggled as a rookie under former coach Matt Nagy. Though he produced big plays with his legs and arms, he did not develop as a passer the way the team hoped.
Fields completed 578 of 958 passes for 6,674 yards with 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in three seasons. He has just one 300-yard passing game in his career.
Chicago could have got a big haul by trading the No. 1 pick. But it’s not often the historically quarterback-challenged Bears have a chance to draft a prospect such as Williams. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is largely expected to be picked first overall after he threw 72 touchdown passes with only 10 interceptions the past two seasons at USC after a year at Oklahoma.
The Dallas Stars unveiled a statue of Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano during Saturday’s home game against the L.A. Kings. Modano is the franchise leader in goals, assists and games played.
“It’s hard to put into words what this has meant,” Modano said after wiping away tears after a oneminute standing ovation. “Thirty years ago, we got on a plane in 1993 to come here (when the Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas) and didn’t know what to expect. Five years later we gave you a Stanley Cup in 1999 . ... We feel we’ve turned Dallas into a hockey town.”
Modano, 53, joins former Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki as players with statues on the plaza at American Airlines Center. Nowitzki led the Mavs to their only NBA title in 2011.
Modano played 20 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Stars franchise, dating to its days as the North Stars. He was the NHL’S first overall draft pick in 1988. The Livonia, Mich., native also had his No. 9 jersey retired by the team in 2014.
Modano scored a teamhigh 50 goals in 1993-94 in the team’s first season in Dallas. He leads the franchise with 557 goals, 802 assists, 1,359 points and 1,459 games played.
Third baseman J.D. Davis and the Oakland Athletics finalized a Us$2.5-million, one-year contract on Saturday, a deal that allows him to earn $1 million more in performance bonuses. Davis, who turns 31 next month, was cut by the Giants last Monday after beating the team last month in arbitration.
Davis hit .248 with 18 homers and 69 runs batted in last year. He became expendable when the Giants agreed to a $54-million, three-year contract with third baseman Matt Chapman.
Joel Embiid has been re-evaluated by doctors and they are “happy with the progress” the 76ers centre is making following meniscus surgery on his left knee, Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse said.
Asked if he believes that Embiid will be back with the team before the NBA playoffs, Nurse was cautious.
“I’m still hoping so and pretty confident, yes,” the coach said.
Embiid celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday.