Initially, the conversation began as a whisper, with concerns arising about the performance of the Bears' talented but inconsistent quarterback, Justin Fields, during the early stages of the 2023 season. However, it wasn't until Fields suffered a thumb injury in Week 6 against the Vikings that the debate surrounding his future truly ignited. Some critics saw this setback as evidence that the team needed to make a change at quarterback, while others staunchly defended Fields, citing the uncertainty surrounding the Panthers' 2024 first-round pick, which the Bears had acquired in a previous trade.
As the 2023 season came to a close, the Bears found themselves in possession of the coveted first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With speculation running rampant, the question of whether the Bears would select USC's highly touted quarterback, Caleb Williams, or stick with Fields became the focal point of the team's offseason agenda.
While Bears General Manager Ryan Poles has remained tight-lipped about the team's plans, recent reports and offseason developments suggest that Chicago may be leaning towards drafting Williams and moving on from Fields. In such a scenario, the Bears would likely seek to trade Fields to another team in order to give him a fresh start elsewhere.
The question then becomes, which teams are most likely to pursue a trade for Fields? We've compiled a list of five potential suitors, ranked based on the likelihood of a deal:
5: Minnesota Vikings - Although mentioned as a potential destination for Fields, the likelihood of a trade with the Vikings is slim, given the divisional rivalry between the two teams.
4: Pittsburgh Steelers - Initially considered a strong contender, recent reports indicate that the Steelers are not actively pursuing a trade for Fields, dampening the possibility of a deal.
3: Las Vegas Raiders - With reported interest in Fields, the Raiders could be a viable option, but certain factors, such as their new offensive coordinator's history with Fields, may complicate matters.
2: New England Patriots - The Patriots have been exploring all options at quarterback, making them a potential landing spot for Fields. However, their conservative approach to the draft could hinder any potential trade.
1: Atlanta Falcons - With ties to Fields' hometown and reported interest in his services, the Falcons emerge as the frontrunners in the race to acquire the talented quarterback.
Ultimately, the fate of Justin Fields remains uncertain, but with the NFL Draft fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Bears as they navigate this pivotal offseason decision.
POLL | ||
7 MARS | 64 ANSWERS Assessing the Top 5 Teams with the Highest Likelihood of Acquiring Chicago Bears Quarterback Justin Fields Will Justin Fields get traded to the Falcons? | ||
yes | 15 | 23.4 % |
no | 49 | 76.6 % |
List of polls |