Insider Suggests That the Recent Offensive Coordinator Hire Makes Justin Fields Trade Unlikely.
In the 2024 offseason, there were talks about trading quarterback Justin Fields, but the Las Vegas Raiders seem to have unofficially backed out of the discussion. The Raiders were considered potential suitors for Fields due to their need for a new starting quarterback. Although they still had Jimmy Garoppolo under contract until 2025, they benched him after just six games in the 2023 season and seem unlikely to change that decision.
Additionally, the Raiders had the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, which placed them outside the range to acquire one of the top three quarterbacks in the class.
However, any speculation about the Raiders pursuing Fields came to an end on February 4 when they hired former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy for the same role on Antonio Pierce's 2024 staff. It became evident that Getsy's offensive scheme did not align well with Fields' skill set, as demonstrated during their time together with the Bears.
Vic Tafur, a Raiders insider from The Athletic, suggested that the hiring of Getsy indicated the team's belief that Fields, not Getsy, was primarily responsible for the Bears' offensive struggles over their two seasons together.
Tafur stated on February 4, "Last thought: To me, Getsy means no trade for Fields because the Raiders feel Getsy wasn't the problem with the Bears offense."
The Raiders' search for an offensive coordinator before hiring Getsy hinted that Fields was not a serious consideration for them. They initially planned to hire Kliff Kingsbury from USC to lead their offense, but he withdrew his candidacy and joined the Washington Commanders as an OC. Kingsbury's offensive system would have been another mismatch for Fields, who lacked the skill set to run Kingsbury's Air Raid offense.
Even after ruling out the Raiders and Commanders, the Bears might still have several potential trade partners if they decide to trade Fields.
The Atlanta Falcons remain the favored option. They are Fields' hometown team and have a clear need for a quarterback, considering their offense is loaded with weapons. While they might explore acquiring a more experienced quarterback like Russell Wilson or selecting one in the draft, Fields remains a viable choice.
The Denver Broncos could also be in the mix, especially if they release or trade Wilson and need a replacement. If general manager George Paton is not satisfied with their quarterback options at the 12th pick, he could take a chance on Fields and hope for a fresh start to unlock his potential.
Despite outside expectations, there is uncertainty about what the Chicago Bears will do with the No. 1 overall pick. While many believe they will choose Caleb Williams, insiders suggest that only Bears GM Ryan Poles and a select few truly know their quarterback plans.
The Bears possess a valuable asset in the top pick, and they could potentially receive a significant trade package if they decide to trade down, possibly even three first-round picks. Ultimately, their assessment of Fields' long-term potential will play a crucial role in their decision-making process, and the possibility of accumulating additional first-round picks is tempting.
| POLL | ||
5 FEVRIER | 102 ANSWERS Insider Suggests That the Recent Offensive Coordinator Hire Makes Justin Fields Trade Unlikely. Will Justin Fields be traded? | ||
| Yes | 39 | 38.2 % |
| No | 63 | 61.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
