Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is going to be the center of many a trade rumor over the coming months. The former first-round pick entered the season in a crucial third year where he needed to prove that he had what it took to be a franchise quarterback. After having no real support during his first two seasons, the Bears finally added a true WR1 in D.J. Moore while improving the offensive line and defense. If Fields couldn’t win with this team, then Chicago would have likely rebuilt in 2024.
Fortunately, Justin Fields proved that he was up to the task in 2023. While he’s not an elite quarterback by any means, he proved that he’s a top-32 passer in the league and deserves a starting job in the NFL. The quarterback finished the season with the 20th-best PFF grade in the league and ranked 23rd out of 34 quarterbacks in EPA/play. Chicago finished with a 7-10 record, and normally a performance like this is enough to justify another year under center.
Unfortunately for Justin Fields, the Bears also have the first-overall pick thanks to the Carolina Panthers. With elite quarterback prospects in Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, reports across the league indicate that the Bears are likely to trade Fields and start over with one of the younger arms. Fields himself is well aware of these rumors and said an unofficial goodbye to the City of Chicago during his most recent press conference.
Justin Fields with a message to the city of Chicago. pic.twitter.com/hilVpG2L3o
— Dave (@dave_bfr) January 8, 2024
While anything could happen between now and the start of the NFL Draft, it’s safe to assume that Justin Fields will probably be traded in the coming months. The jury is still out on whether or not Fields can be a franchise quarterback, so it makes sense for the Bears to reset the clock with a younger prospect. At the same time, teams that don’t have a shot at an elite prospect could be willing to give up a second- or third-round pick for Fields’ services. So, let’s take a look at which teams fit that description.
Justin Fields Says Goodbye to Chicago – Likely Trade Destinations
Atlanta Falcons
After three consecutive 7-10 seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have fired Arthur Smith and will start over with a new head coach and new quarterback in 2024. Desmond Ridder crashed and burned in 2023, but the team won too many games to stand a chance at getting Williams or Maye, and they’d probably have a tough time even getting Jayden Daniels. With this in mind, the Falcons might as well go after Justin Fields. There is plenty of talent on this roster, and Fields might be good enough to win a weak NFC South with this team.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin continues to win football games regardless of who is under center. Despite not having a reliable quarterback, the Steelers still found a way to make the playoffs, thanks in large part to a stellar defense and a strong coaching staff. Kenny Pickett is not the answer, but Justin Fields might be. This team is a quarterback away from serious contention, and even if Fields doesn’t take a huge step in Pittsburgh, he’d still be the best Steelers quarterback since the 2018 version of Ben Roethlisberger.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders found a way to go 8-9 despite starting the season with Josh McDaniels as head coach and Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback. Aidan O’Connell played well for a fifth-round rookie but shouldn’t be competing for anything more than backup work in 2023. Davante Adams still has plenty in his tank, and Jakobi Meyers has been a great signing. The Raiders might not have what it takes to overtake the Kansas City Chiefs in the division, but Justin Fields would give this team a good shot at a Wild Card spot in 2024.
New England Patriots
The 2023 New England Patriots find themselves in a terrible situation. This offense needs help at just about every position, and they don’t have a realistic shot at Williams or Maye. So, instead of reaching for Jayden Daniels with the third-overall pick, perhaps their best course of action is to trade back, acquire multiple starting-caliber players, and use Justin Fields as a short-term starter. Ideally, he’ll turn into a franchise quarterback, but even if he regresses, the Patriots are more than a quarterback away from winning it all.
New Orleans Saints
Whether the Saints like it or not, Derek Carr is going to be on the roster in 2024. At the end of his day, his dead cap hit is just too ridiculous to justify a release. However, just because Carr will be around doesn’t mean he’ll be starting. Even though the team finished the season on a high note, New Orleans needs to have a backup plan in case Carr doesn’t improve during his season year in the Big Easy. Justin Fields is the best quarterback that is likely to be available and he could probably beat out Carr for the Week 1 starting job.
Main Photo: Mark Hoffman – USA Today Sports
