Playing the long game generally forces individuals to view situations more as a marathon rather than a sprint. While difficult to accept, this usually involves taking a less than desirable job, or putting oneself in an undesirable situation, with hopes of reaching a specific end goal. Justin Fields' inevitable departure from the Bears decreased his current worth, but attempting to rejuvenate his career behind veteran quarterback Russell Wilson with the Steelers is likely to pay dividends at some point.
After seeing his market value plummet -- from potentially being worth a first-round pick, to getting traded for fourth and seventh rounders -- Fields got a much-needed reality check. In a span of three seasons, he went from being the No. 12 overall pick to someone who was little more than an afterthought. Just like how a shiny new car loses value the minute it's taken out of the lot, highly-touted prospects no longer carry the same worth once they're a few years into their pro careers.
Far too often, teams give up on a player for one reason or another -- poor fit, below-par performances, or an upgrade in mind. Chicago's decision to move on from Fields involved a combination of all of the above. Caleb Williams, the presumptive No. 1 pick next month, appears to be the apple of Bears general manager Ryan Poles' eye. They’re not willing to pass on a generational talent like the USC quarterback, only with hopes that Fields can take the next step. Fair enough, but the situation puts all involved in an awkward predicament.
This isn't to say the crippling pressure to take the golden boy in Williams, or the fear of missing out on his star potential, shouldn't have forced the Bears to arrive at their final decision. Based on everything that's transpired, they've handled the situation as well as they could have. Except it tainted the outside perception of Fields, to the point where he'll have to earn a new starting job.
Realistically, this isn't a bad thing. Young quarterbacks that struggle early and then find their rhythm later, isn't anything new. Just ask veterans Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins, who've benefited from lengthy maturation processes that teams typically try to expedite. Why? They want instant results. Some names like C.J. Stroud can change the trajectory of an organization within a calendar year, while others need a little more time. This isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. With Smith and Cousins finding success later on in their careers, there's also less of a stigma around giving retreads another shot.
At this stage in his career, there isn't be a better landing spot for Fields than the Steelers. Being able to step out of the spotlight for a second, in order to better internalize what's occurring from a different perspective, could do him wonders. Remember, Fields was thrusted into action immediately after Bears veteran Andy Dalton got injured in Week 2 of the 2021 season. Then, he was constantly under pressure to produce results with subpar talent around him. That's a tough ask for a young quarterback.
Luckily, the Bears learned their lesson by adding receiver Keenan Allen and lineman Jake Curhan to provide better infrastructure around a star prospect like Williams. Unfortunately, it's too late for Fields to reap the benefits. Now, he’ll get the opportunity to learn from a veteran quarterback in Wilson, who endured considerable adversity after two rough seasons with the Broncos. Playing behind a Super Bowl champion is always good, but now Fields will have a similar level of relatability that'll l offer comfort. Even at 35 years old, Wilson has a lot to prove, including that he can go out on a high note.
Everyone from the outside looking in is also assuming this'll be a one-year reboot, but there's a chance it doesn't even last that long. Remember last year, when roughly a fourth of the NFL played without starting quarterbacks by December? People would be foolish to expect everybody to stay healthy for an entire season, based on what's transpired.
From that angle, Fields could see his number called sooner than expected -- maybe even before the season starts. Although the Steelers reportedly plan to re-sign Wilson next offseason, the variables involved -- injuries, struggles, unworldly contractual demands -- could throw a massive wrench in that plan.
The old saying that one never knows what lies around the corner epitomizes why the Steelers were a perfect destination for Fields, who simply needed a change of scenery. While the disappointment that he won't get an immediate chance to start has certainly set in, Pittsburgh is the stepping stone that can help Fields springboard to superstardom. Rather than looking at the glass as either half-full or half-empty, Fields must realize the combination of it actually being both plays to his advantage, not his detriment.