Justin Fields Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears Quarterback Unfollows Team on Social Media, Potential Landing Spots Revealed
The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is what the Chicago Bears will do with the No. 1 pick. Speculation has been swirling, and it seems that trading Justin Fields may be on the table.
In a surprising move, Fields recently unfollowed the Bears on social media. While this may seem like a small gesture, it often signals a change is coming. In this case, it could mean that the Bears are considering drafting either USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye as their franchise quarterback, leaving Fields available for trade.
Fields is a player who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled at times. He has never quite fit into the Bears’ coaching vision since being drafted in 2021, and his performance has suffered as a result. However, this presents a unique opportunity for QB-needy teams to acquire a 24-year-old starter with franchise player potential at a fraction of the usual cost.
Several teams should seriously consider making a move for Fields, including the Atlanta Falcons. This would be a chance for Atlanta to get a do-over after their questionable decision to draft Kyle Pitts in 2021 without securing a quarterback. Fields, an Atlanta native, would return home and join a team with a strong defense and a host of offensive weapons. The addition of Fields to an already talented roster could propel the Falcons to new heights.
However, there are concerns about the Falcons’ new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson. Coming from the Rams, where he worked with static passers like Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford, there are doubts about his ability to bring out the best in Fields. This will be Robinson’s first opportunity to run an offense, and if he can design a scheme that highlights Fields’ strengths, it could be a perfect fit.
The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that could benefit from trading for Fields. After a disappointing season, the Raiders are looking for a spark, and Fields would certainly provide that. With offensive weapons like Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams, and Michael Mayer, the Raiders’ offense could become a force to be reckoned with.
However, the hiring of former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator raises concerns. Getsy failed to develop an effective offense around Fields in Chicago, and it remains to be seen if he can do better in Las Vegas. Without a clear plan in place, trading for Fields could be a risky move for the Raiders.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may also be ready to make a change at quarterback. Kenny Pickett, their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has failed to live up to expectations. Pickett has been plagued by injuries and poor performance, leading to doubts about his future with the team. Fields, who is younger than Pickett, could bring a much-needed spark to the Steelers’ offense.
The addition of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who had success with the Titans before his stint as head coach in Atlanta, could also benefit Fields and the Steelers. Smith’s tendency to be risk-averse may have been influenced by the pressures of being a head coach, and returning to an offensive coordinator role could allow him to open up the playbook. With talented receivers like Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, Fields could thrive in an offense that emphasizes deep throws.
Finally, there is the possibility of Fields being traded within the NFC North to the Minnesota Vikings. While this may seem unlikely, it is worth considering. The Vikings have a strong supporting cast for a quarterback, including star receiver Justin Jefferson. Fields has lacked a reliable receiver since entering the NFL, and pairing him with Jefferson could be a game-changer for both players.
Like the Falcons and the Raiders, the Vikings also have offensive coordinators with ties to the Rams. Kevin O’Connell and Wes Philips, who both worked under Sean McVay, could bring a traditional passer system to Minnesota. This could be a nostalgic yet modernized approach that appeals to fans and allows Fields to thrive.
Of course, the question remains: What could the Bears reasonably get in a trade for Fields? The market will play a significant role in determining the value. While it is unlikely that the Bears will receive a first-round pick, they could expect additional picks on top of a second-round pick in the 2024 draft. A fourth or fifth-round pick could also be part of the package.
However, if the market is soft or teams are not convinced of Fields’ potential compared to other quarterbacks in the 2024 draft, the trade value could decrease. In this scenario, the Bears may receive a conditional pick in the third round or later, with play escalators that could increase its value.
As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears and their decision regarding Justin Fields. Will they