Former LB compares Steelers' trades for Justin Fields, Hall of Famer

Many believe Steelers GM Omar Khan fleeced Bears GM Ryan Poles when he sent just a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick to Chicago for QB Justin Fields this offseason.

Former two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Levon Kirkland, a second-round pick by Pittsburgh in 1992, believes the trade is reminiscent of another lopsided deal the team made for a Hall of Famer nearly 28 years ago.

"I think you bring in Justin Fields, it renews his career. Think about Jerome Bettis. Before Jerome Bettis got to us, everybody said Jerome Bettis was a bust with the Rams," Kirkland said on the "What's Really Good" podcast. "He comes to Pittsburgh, it's the offense that he needs. It works out for him."

Saying the trade worked out for Bettis and the Steelers is an understatement. The six-time Pro Bowler went on to become the NFL's eighth all-time leading rusher (13,662) while leading Pittsburgh to its fifth Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Plus, all it cost the Steelers to acquire Bettis along with a 1996 third-round pick was a second-round pick in 1996 and a fourth-round selection in 1997.

Like Bettis, Fields has been written off following an underwhelming three-year stint with the Bears when he went 10-28 as a starter. Kirkland can't help but make the connection.

"We scooped him up, and he ends up running for all these yards, ends up getting a Super Bowl, being one of the most historic players in Pittsburgh," Kirkland added. "I'm not saying that could happen to Justin Fields, but boy, the stories are similar."

Pittsburgh is surely hoping history repeats itself with Fields. The 25-year-old has flashed his upside over the past two seasons, throwing for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Still, putting Fields in the same conversation as Bettis is unfair as of now. Maybe Fields does have a similar career, and maybe he doesn't. But one thing is for sure, he is set up for success with the Steelers, who are hoping to unlock his full potential.

"Man, there's a lot of meat left on that bone," head coach Mike Tomlin said of Fields.