Four Teams Mentioned As Likely Justin Fields Trade Suitors

Justin Fields is still trying to save his job. Plenty of people think the possibility remains strong. He's had some solid games in recent weeks. However, the undercurrent of buzz lately suggests the odds are steeper than many want to admit. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune is getting the sense GM Ryan Poles intends to reset the clock at quarterback with the #1 or #2 pick in the draft. If that is the case, the logical step next spring would be trading Fields. One has to imagine there would be a market for somebody like him.

While his time in Chicago may ultimately go down as a failure, his talent is still significant, and he's shown enough flashes for somebody to believe he is salvageable. Derrick Klassen of The 33rd Team has it on good authority that the Bears are likely looking at a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Fields if and when a trade happens. Much of it depends on how big the market is. From what he gathers, at least three teams will be legitimate contenders for his services. Maybe four.

I spoke with former general manager and The 33rd Team analyst Mike Tannenbaum about that dynamic and what kind of return the Bears should secure.

“Ideally, you are looking to get a second-round pick. If you have to go down to a third-round pick, you do it,” Tannenbaum said.

That tracks with the compensation we’ve seen from similar deals in the past few seasons...

...A second or third-round pick with some weird late Day 3 pick shuffling sounds about right for Fields...

...The Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders all feel like locks to be in the market for a guy like Fields. The Minnesota Vikings would be, as well, if not for being the Bears’ division rivals. Even the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a sneaky candidate.

The Justin Fields question comes down to starting over.

Some of those teams may wish to go the rookie route with guys like Michael Penix, Bo Nix, or J.J. McCarthy. However, there will be some who'd prefer to go with a veteran option that still has upside worth exploring. Most agree Atlanta is the most obvious landing spot. Fields is a Georgia boy. The team won't be going through another year with Desmond Ridder. They have weapons like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts. Their head coach is an offensive wizard in Arthur Smith.

For Minnesota and Tampa Bay, their current starting quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins, are free agents this off-season. Las Vegas may wish to give Aidan O'Connell a full season. They aren't running it back with Jimmy Garoppolo. As always, there is potential for an unexpected surprise. Much of this might depend on what happens with the coaching market. New head coaches may wish to test the Justin Fields waters. Knowing Ryan Poles, he will likely find a deal that works for the Bears.