Albert Breer Says One Player Is Holding Up The Justin Fields Market

Justin Fields is in a holding pattern. The Chicago Bears clearly aim to trade him, but the market hasn't materialized as hoped. Rather than accept a lower offer, GM Ryan Poles has chosen to wait things out. He wants to see what happens in free agency with other top names on the market. Where they end up could help Fields' value. Chicago already got some good news on Sunday with Baker Mayfield re-signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That takes one big name off the market, narrowing the options for QB-needy teams.

Albert Breer of the MMQB believes the name to watch in all of this is Kirk Cousins. The former Pro Bowler might stay in Minnesota, but there is a line of teams ready to pursue him once free agency begins. Among them is the Atlanta Falcons, who have multiple connections to the veteran inside the organization. Breer believes they will make a full-court press to sign him once the negotiating period opens. However, if that doesn't succeed, they have a backup plan.

"As for the Falcons, they’re lurking as the team expected to be most aggressive in going after outside veteran options at quarterback. I’d expect a spirited run at Cousins, particularly with Baker Mayfield off the market. They have the space to work with, and an attractive situation to lure Cousins. And if they strike out there, I think a trade with Chicago for Justin Fields could be in play."

Justin Fields has suitors, but he seems to be their Plan B.

While humbling from his perspective, the fact remains the market is still out there. It comes down to whether Cousins throws a wrench in those plans by going to Atlanta. If he does, the number of landing spots for Fields drops. Staying in Minnesota or even signing with the Denver Broncos, who are also planning a push, would be ideal. That means the Falcons and probably the Pittsburgh Steelers would be ready to go after Fields. Russell Wilson might also play a smaller factor in how this plays out.

The bottom line is don't expect any news on Justin Fields when free agency begins. He is in a holding pattern until Cousins makes his decision, whenever that ends up being. It could be a day or two into the new league year, or it could be a week. Until then, the Bears will focus their attention on other roster matters. Once the domino falls, the Fields market should get in motion. We don't know how much Poles hopes to get for him, but a safe assumption is a Day 2 pick, at least.