On March 16, 2024, The Chicago Bears traded QB Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick.
Both Fields and Zach Wilson were first-round picks in the 2021 draft.
The Jets are looking to trade Wilson as well, but are having a hard time doing it.
Wilson has a better starting record than Fields. Wilson is 12-21 and Fields is 10-28.
Fields might not be an elite processor, but he has terrific raw skills (great wheels and a rocket arm), so the Steelers were willing to take a flyer on him because of his natural ability.
Wilson has impressive natural ability also, with elite arm talent, and while he’s not the scrambler Fields is, Wilson has quick feet, and can make things happen as an improviser if the initial play doesn’t go as planned.
So while neither player has performed consistently over their first three years in the league, when a young QB has special raw skills, a second team will usually want to kick the tires and see if they can bring out the best in the player.
So if the Bears can get a conditional sixth-round pick for Fields, why can’t the Jets get at least the same for a player who has won more games?
Simple.
In NFL circles, Fields is considered a player with a great attitude who loves football.
Fair or unfair, some question Wilson’s attitude and love of football around the league. The perception of Wilson’s attitude took a big hit after the way he answered a question following a 10-3 loss in New England in 2022, a contest the Jets offense let down their defense, but the QB wouldn’t admit that.
Questions about Wilson’s attitude and love of football could be unfair, but it’s out there.
And it’s making a trade challenging.
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