The Chicago Bears have kept their card close to the vest regarding plans with the No. 1 overall pick and quarterback Justin Fields. While at least one of the two will be traded, it appears Fields is likely headed out of town with NFL trade rumors already pointing to likely destinations.
Fields, heading into his fourth season, found himself in this situation last year. Chicago held the No. 1 overall pick, but quickly committed to its young quarterback and dealt the top pick to the Carolina Panthers. One year removed from that decision, it seems increasingly likely that the Bears will do the opposite in 2024.
- Justin Fields stats 2023: 86.3 QB rating, 61.4 percent completion rate, 16-9 TD-INT, 2,562 passing yards, 657 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 4 rushing touchdowns in 13 games
While Fields hasn’t made the strides as a passer many were hoping to see, he’s still one of the best quarterback options available outside the NFL Draft this year. Kirk Cousins is coming off a torn Achilles and the reported cost of a Baker Mayfield contract could push some clubs away. As a result, Fields becomes one of the most cost-effective options in 2024 and he offers some upside.
According to USA Today’s Tyler Dragon, the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders have all expressed interest in acquiring Fields this offseason.
Atlanta has long been the favorite to land Fields, a Georgia native. While he’s less of a fit in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s offense, at least if he borrows from the Sean McVay system, he is a cost-efficient option who would be surrounded by talent and a great coaching staff in a return to Atlanta.
The Steelers’ situation is more complex. Pittsburgh is reportedly divided over its quarterback situation with players preferring a veteran on the roster, the front office still committed to its young quarterback and head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly high on Fields.
As for Las Vegas, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy does have plenty of familiarity in running an offense for Fields. However, he’s faced heavy criticism for underutilizing Fields’ skill set in the past and Las Vegas reportedly hired Getsy believing Fields was the problem with the Bears’ offense.
The expectation remains that Fields will be traded with Chicago using the first overall pick on quarterback Caleb Williams. However, the team he lands with remains a mystery but there should be a resolution within the next two weeks.