Trade rumors surrounding star quarterback Justin Fields have been circulating for months, with various teams expressing interest in acquiring the former first-round pick. With all the speculation around Fields and his future as a Chicago Bear, the landscape of potential trade destinations is running thin. Possible landing spots like the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers have found their guy at quarterback. This leaves Fields in a challenging position, with fewer suitors actively seeking a quarterback. The question is whether there is an actual market for Fields.
Justin Fields: Odd Man Out
Why Teams Are Hesitant To Trade For Bears Star Quarterback
Justin Fields is a highly talented quarterback. But it’s not just about talent. If a team decides to trade for Fields, they will lose draft compensation and have to pay for his fifth-year option after the 2024 season. Losing draft picks for a one-year rental of Justin Fields is risky for many franchises. In addition, Fields’ injury history and offensive system fit are factors to consider. Fields hasn’t played a full NFL season yet, with his latest injury being a hand-thumb dislocation, resulting in him missing a month last season. Regarding system fits, it was clear last season that Fields needed a specific offensive system to be successful, which he didn’t have in Chicago.
Bears Reportedly Have Not Yet “Started The Process” To Trade Justin Fields
Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter stated that the Bears have not yet “started the process” to try to trade Fields. There are two factors to consider. The Bears seem open to trading him and still want to ensure Caleb Williams is their guy. Bears General Manager Ryan Poles stated during the NFL Combine that he “wants to do right by Justin as well.” Poles understands that Fields wants to know his future and mentioned that if they decide to trade him, it’ll be best for both Fields and the organization.
Poles might have overestimated teams’ interest in Fields. His asking price was too high for teams to consider, and he didn’t move off his initial asking price. As a result, multiple teams have swayed away and acquired a quarterback via Free Agency. Due to Poles sticking to his initial asking price and teams acquiring quarterbacks in Free Agency, Fields might remain with the Bears until after the NFL Draft.
"If you decide to draft a QB, what is your motivation to trade Justin Fields before free agency?"
Ryan Poles: "…. if we go down that road, I want to do right by Justin. No one wants to live in grey." pic.twitter.com/Bl6eq9HRAJ
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 27, 2024
Quarterback Dilemma: How Caleb Williams Might Have Stalled A Justin Fields Trade
While a potential trade involving Justin Fields could have materialized at the NFL Combine, opportunities seem to be diminishing. Caleb Williams, widely considered the top draft pick, has become the first prospect in NFL history to withhold medical information from teams until his Pro Day. Additionally, Williams rescheduled his meeting with the Bears, originally slated during the Combine. The implication of Williams’ actions resulted in the Bears not having 100% confidence in trading Fields during the Combine. Instead, the Bears have to look around the league for a suitor.
Potential Trade Destinations
Seattle Seahawks
New Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald didn’t seem fond of the idea that 33-year-old Geno Smith is their long-term plan at quarterback. Seattle recently signed Smith to a three-year deal worth 75 million dollars. The Seahawks can cut Geno, save around $25 million, and use that money to pay for Justin Fields’ fifth-year option.
New England Patriots
The signing of Jacoby Brissett doesn’t cement the New England Patriots quarterback plan for 2024. The Patriots are still in dire need of a franchise quarterback. If the Patriots don’t fall in love with one of the top-tier quarterback prospects, they can opt to trade for Fields and draft Marvin Harrison Jr. with the third overall pick to jumpstart the Jerod Mayo era in New England.
New York Giants
From trading back with the Bears to allow them to draft Fields, to trading for Fields, it comes full circle for the New York Giants. Daniel Jones is not a franchise quarterback, and with the Brian Burns trade, the Giants still appear to want to compete next season. Fields would be an upgrade over Jones, and with Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll’s ability to develop quarterbacks (Josh Allen in Buffalo), he should find similar success with Justin Fields.
Main Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
