Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields Could Be a Trade Target for Green Bay Packers Following Jordan Love’s Groin Injury
The Green Bay Packers have had to navigate one significant injury to QB Jordan Love already this season, and they now face the possibility of a second.
On Sunday, October 27, Green Bay narrowly clinched a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite losing Love in the third quarter to a groin strain, as reported postgame. Backup QB Malik Willis filled in admirably, completing 4-of-5 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Willis has performed well as Love’s backup this season, achieving a 2-0 record as a starter and contributing to a close win over the Jaguars in Week 8.
However, Green Bay’s offense, which has relied heavily on the running game and its defense to generate turnovers, may find it harder to replicate this formula against stronger teams, including the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, two of their next three opponents.
The combination of these tougher matchups and the uncertainty around Love’s health may prompt Green Bay to consider bringing in another QB to support Willis and third-stringer Sean Clifford, should Love need extended recovery time.
One potential option is Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, who was benched in favor of Russell Wilson last week. Fields had led the Steelers to a 4-2 record and accounted for 10 total touchdowns with only 1 interception across those games.
Fields joined Pittsburgh this offseason after a trade with the Chicago Bears and is currently in the final year of his rookie contract.
Packers Weigh Concerns and Optimism After Jordan Love’s Groin Injury
Following the game, head coach Matt LaFleur expressed “high concern” about Love’s injury, noting the quarterback struggled with mobility and eventually left the game out of caution.
Later, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero offered a more optimistic perspective, citing team sources who suggested Love’s injury may not be long-term.
“Packers QB Jordan Love will undergo tests Monday, but there’s optimism he avoided a long-term injury today, per sources,” Pelissero reported. “Love kept playing after tweaking his groin but eventually had to come out. Status TBD for next Sunday’s showdown against the [Detroit] Lions.”
Green Bay’s upcoming bye in Week 10, after their game against Detroit, provides an additional benefit, allowing for more recovery time before facing the Bears in Chicago.
Adding Justin Fields Could Strengthen Packers QB Depth
Should Love need a 2-6 week recovery due to a Grade 1 or Grade 2 groin strain, the Packers might consider Fields as a high-level insurance option. His addition could mitigate risks if Willis encounters challenges against tougher opponents or faces injury himself. While Willis handled Jacksonville well, 51 of his 56 passing yards came from a single pass to WR Jayden Reed, underscoring a potential need for more depth.
If Love is unlikely to return for the Chicago game on November 17, acquiring another QB would provide depth and give Green Bay time to integrate a new player into their system.
Fields would likely require a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick in 2025. Alternatively, the Packers could sign a free agent QB, though Fields’ skillset makes him a more reliable option should they choose to pursue him in the coming week.
