It was a wild week of NFL Free Agency, and it didn’t stop this weekend. The long-awaited trade of Justin Fields finally came down Saturday afternoon, as the Bears were able to find a partner in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andrew Erickson dives into the fantasy football impact of the trade.
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Justin Fields Traded to Steelers
Justin Fields was traded to the Steelers for a 6th-round pick, that can turn into a 4th-round pick depending on playing time.
The initial reports claim that Russell Wilson will start in Pittsburgh and Fields will back him up.
Seeing Fields dealt to the Steelers doesn’t come as too much of a surprise after the team sent off Kenny Pickett to Eagles. But the fact that Fields is already viewed as the backup and his trade value was only that of a 6th-round pick – none of which the Commanders, Patriots, Vikings, Giants, Titans, Broncos, or Raiders felt compelled to match/exceed – tells you all you need to know about Fields in the eyes of NFL teams.
For some reason, the electric plays and rushing highlights aren’t enough for the polarizing QB. NFL teams view a QB that holds onto the ball for too long and takes too many sacks.
He’s not a top-32 QB by the eyes of the NFL. And that matters significantly for fantasy football, because you can’t score points on the pine. It’s unfortunate that Fields has already been put behind Wilson as his fantasy value has essentially hit rock bottom.
And that comes off arguably his best season to date as an NFL quarterback even if it was only by a slight margin. Nearly 22 fantasy points per game from Week 4 onward. Elite fantasy upside, but he comes with major question marks without any job security in Pittsburgh loom. Also, the passing has not nearly been good enough to be too bullish that Fields can just step in and usurp Wilson.
However, if there’s any team that will give Fields a chance to start if Wilson struggles (very possible) it’s the Steelers. They pulled the plug on Pickett last year for Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky. Don’t think for a second that head coach Mike Tomlin – who has been very high on Fields – doesn’t put the young QB in the starting role.
No QB is going to be “given” the job in Pittsburgh. The live and breathe competition for all 53 roster spots.
So, I am not sure Wilson will be the automatic starter despite the early reports. It’s not like Wilson has done anything the past three seasons that suggests he is locked to be effective for a full 17-game season. Fantasy’s QB13, 16 and 18. Hasn’t sniffed 18 points per game in any of the last 3 seasons. Keep in mind that Wilson was third in the NFL in passing TD% last season and finished as QB15 in points per game.
Still, despite Wilson’s flaws last season, he’s an upgrade from what the Steelers QBs play was last season. Pickett, Rudolph and Trubisky combined for an AV (Approximate Value per PFR) of 10. 6. Wilson’s AV was 12 in 2023 in 15 games played in Denver. That would have been second-best on the Steelers’ entire roster last season (T.J. Watt).
Fields’ AV was 13 in 13 games played.
The Steelers have weapons on offense, but it’s just a matter of configuring the right scheme, along with the right pairing with QB and the OL. But there’s no doubt in my mind that Fields would thrive in a fantasy sense should he see starts in 2024. It’s just a matter of whether he gets the opportunity to do so.
I think he will, and therefore I’d be trying to buy him low everywhere. Even if it’s more in the short-term view for the 2024 season with his long-term NFL future in true limbo. I’m old enough to remember the Titans replacing Marcus Mariota with Ryan Tannehill in an offense run by Arthur Smith.
If Russ ain’t cooking, Fields will get his shot.
As for the remaining Steelers pieces, it’s another big win. Anything that can increase the odds that the QB play overall is improved from last season is great for the likes of George Pickens and the other receivers, RBs and TEs. Fields fueled D.J. Moore to an elite fantasy season that he never came close to in Carolina. Wilson can actually throw TDs.
One way or another, the Steelers are going to get BETTER quarterback play with a new QB and OC Arthur Smith in 2024.
I love the Steelers’ move, and other Quarterback-Needy teams should be kicking themselves for letting a former first-round pick like Fields be dealt for next to nothing.
As for the Bears, this all but confirms our priors. Caleb Williams, welcome to Chicago. #BearDown.
Fantasy Football breakdowns of major moves
Quarterbacks
- Russell Wilson Signs With Steelers
- Kirk Cousins Agrees to Deal With Falcons
- Sam Darnold Agrees to Deal With Vikings
- Joe Flacco signs with Colts
- Mason Rudolph signs with Titans
- Brett Rypien signs with Bears
- Jimmy Garoppolo released by Raiders Wednesday
Wide Receivers
- Jerry Jeudy Traded to Browns
- Michael Pittman Jr. Re-Signs With Colts
- Gabe Davis Agrees to Deal with Jaguars
- Mike Evans Re-Signs with Buccaneers
- Darnell Mooney Agrees to Deal With Falcons
- Noah Brown re-signs with Texans
- Diontae Johnson Traded to Panthers
- Mack Hollins agrees to terms with Bills
- Calvin Ridley Signs With Tennessee Titans
- Cedrick Wilson inks two-year deal with Saints
- Trent Sherfield inks one-year deal with Vikings
- Chris Moore signs with Cardinals
- Curtis Samuel signs with Bills
Running Backs
- D’Andre Swift Agrees to Deal with Bears
- Saquon Barkley Agrees to Deal with Eagles
- Gus Edwards Agrees to Deal With Chargers
- Tony Pollard to sign with the Titans
- Austin Ekeler headed to Washington Commanders
- Devin Singletary Agrees to Deal With Giants
- Zack Moss Agrees to Deal With Bengals
- Derrick Henry Expected to Sign with Ravens
- Joe Mixon Traded to Texans
- DeeJay Dallas plans to sign with Cardinals
- Salvon Ahmed plans to re-sign in Miami on one-year deal
- AJ Dillon expected to re-sign with Packers
Tight Ends
- Noah Fant Re-Signs with Seahawks
- Will Dissly agrees to terms with the Chargers
- Irv Smith Jr. signs with Chiefs
- Gerald Everett Agrees to Deal With Bears
- Austin Hooper to Sign With Patriots
- Jack Stoll signs with Giants
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