The Chicago Bears have been dealing with a quarterback conundrum for the past few months. Thanks to last year’s deal with the Carolina Panthers, they’ll have first dibs on highly rated blue-chip QB prospect Caleb Williams of USC.
However, Justin Fields is currently the starting quarterback. Fields is a young, bright potential impact player who has flashed brilliance throughout his three-year NFL career and demonstrated maturity as a team leader this season. The 24-year-old’s 10-28 record as a starter, as well as his overall statistics, are not good.
Experts believe the Bears will take Williams with their first pick, betting on acquiring a truly elite-level franchise quarterback who has already earned parallels to four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. If that happens, Fields will be dealt to a team that believes he can be their elite-level franchise quarterback.
The question is, where would Fields be sent, and who would be willing to take up Fields’ fifth-year option, which would guarantee him a large salary?
Teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders have all been cited as potentially interested in Chicago’s one-time quarterback of the future.
According to current rumours, the Bears may decide to trade Fields as early as next week, with specifics to be hammered out during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
“I think the bones of the trade will be set next week,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated stated in an appearance on ESPN 1000 in Chicago on Friday. “There’s some urgency on the Bears part to get something done.”
There looks to be a front-runner in the race to sign the gifted but occasionally inconsistent quarterback.
NFL expert Matt Lombardo of Fanbuzz has revealed who he believes has the inside track on acquiring Fields:
“The Atlanta Falcons will acquire a franchise quarterback this offseason. Nothing is more important to the franchise’s future than finding the perfect signal caller to maximize the youthful and explosive weapons in place.
Owners of the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there appears to be strong momentum developing toward the Bears dealing Justin Fields.
Fields’ skill set, particularly as a runner, and his ability to use his legs to prolong plays and buy time on passing downs make him a perfect fit for an offence that includes explosive and versatile running back Bijan Robinson and field-stretching wide receiver Drake London.
Overall, the Falcons’ trade for Fields makes sense. Fields is an Atlanta native who has the potential to become something genuinely exceptional with the correct modifications and under the right system. The squad also needs some continuity at quarterback.
Atlanta will hold the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft, which will likely prevent them from acquiring any of the best quarterbacks in the 2017 class. So, if they want a young quarterback with star potential this season, it will have to be through a trade, most likely for Fields.
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