Justin Fields Trade Cost for Steelers Revealed
On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers finalized another deal, this time involving a quarterback. This time, the quarterback Justin Fields was acquired by the Steelers from the Chicago Bears for just a conditional sixth-round draft selection. Let’s examine the implications of the pay cap following that agreement.
Fields, an Ohio State product who was chosen 11th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, will start earning a base salary of $1,616,724 in 2024. Later this summer, he will also be entitled to the same amount as a roster bonus. This implies that the Steelers should pay him $3,233,448 under the 2024 salary ceiling.
The Steelers now own the rights to Fields’ fifth-year option for 2025 as well, having acquired him. By May 2, a decision must be taken on that. Given the cost associated with picking up Fields’ fifth-year option, it is doubtful that the Steelers will do so. If purchased, the asking price of $25.664 million would also come with a complete warranty.
Fields would become an unrestricted free agent the following summer if his fifth-year option is not picked up.
Fields’ fifth-year option is unlikely to be picked up by the Steelers, but they may still attempt to work out an agreement with him at some time in the remaining offseason. Like this An extension would probably have to contain a very small annual average and a small amount of guaranteed funds.
Therefore, a little extension may be the most important item to watch for when it comes to Fields and his contractual position for the remainder of this offseason.