With Caleb Williams officially declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, the likelihood of a Justin Fields trade looms large. Fields, the former first-round pick, has shown annual improvement, but impending free agency is on the horizon. While Fields' highlights shine brightly, the question remains about his consistency as a franchise quarterback. Rather than taking a gamble on Fields finding that consistency, it makes sense for the Bears to hit the reset button by selecting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick.
The draft class boasts two elite quarterback prospects in Williams and Drake Maye, who are expected to be the first two selections. Consequently, teams in need of a quarterback are likely to express interest in a Justin Fields trade. The market value for Chicago's current quarterback varies, with some sources suggesting a package of two second-round picks and a day 3 pick as the best offer.
One tweet by Benjamin Allbright suggests this offer is the most realistic. While Fields possesses remarkable talent, it's hard to justify giving up a top-10 pick for a veteran quarterback whose potential as a franchise player is uncertain. Furthermore, any team trading for Fields will have to make a significant decision regarding his contract soon, potentially committing to franchise quarterback compensation. Although anything can happen, Allbright's assessment of the cost of a Justin Fields trade seems plausible.
Allbright's report also hints that two of the four teams mentioned by Kiper may not be interested in Fields. While speculative, it's reasonable to assume that these teams might be the Broncos and Dolphins. Miami might not be ready to give up on Tua Tagovailoa, despite recent struggles, and the Broncos prefer quarterbacks who excel in short passing games, a style that doesn't align with Fields' play.
This leaves the Falcons and Raiders as prime candidates for a Justin Fields trade, given their need for a quarterback and competitive rosters. However, other teams could also enter the fray as potential suitors:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: With a shaky quarterback situation, the Steelers could seek an upgrade, with Fields being their best prospect since Ben Roethlisberger in 2018.2. New Orleans Saints: Stuck with Derek Carr for the short term, the Saints, despite salary cap constraints, might be willing to trade for Fields to improve their chances of making the playoffs in 2024.3. Minnesota Vikings: If Kirk Cousins departs in free agency, the Vikings will face a quarterback crisis, making a Fields trade a viable option to maximize their playoff potential.
POLL | ||
17 JANVIER | 58 ANSWERS Divergent Accounts Surface Regarding Justin Fields' Trade Situation Will the bears trade Justin Fields? | ||
Yes | 19 | 32.8 % |
No | 39 | 67.2 % |
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