If You Wanted A Swerve In The Justin Fields Trade Saga, Here It Is

Justin Fields is making his last stand. Everything points to the Chicago Bears trading him within the next couple of weeks as the new league year approaches. The only question is where. Several teams have been mentioned. The two that appear to at least be involved are the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. Both have glaring needs at the position and aren't in great spots to draft one. However, these situations always seem to involve an unexpected team. Sure enough, the buzz has picked up on that front.

According to Bears insider Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, it appears the Minnesota Vikings might be sniffing around a potential deal for Fields. This may sound unbelievable at first, but it really isn't. Their GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has already made multiple trades inside the division with Detroit and Green Bay. He does not fear making such deals if he feels it will benefit his team. Minnesota could lose Kirk Cousins to free agency, and with the 11th overall pick, they aren't in a good spot for the draft either.

Only way Justin Fields goes to Minnesota is if they offer something big.

Two options might make sense. One is offering the #13 pick in some capacity. That would certainly get Ryan Poles' attention. Another is working out a blockbuster deal that would send Fields to Minnesota in exchange for Justin Jefferson. The superstar wide receiver is due a hefty new contract, which the Vikings might be reluctant to pay. Chicago has plenty of cap space to work out such an extension. Trading to pair Jefferson with D.J. Moore would set up the ideal situation for whichever young quarterback they end up drafting.

Neither scenario seems plausible. It is more likely Minnesota is checking what the price tag might be for Justin Fields in case they aren't able to retain Cousins. Most experts believe the veteran will end up staying put. However, the fact they're even involved in the Fields discussions should be a benefit to Poles as he continues to work the market for a package he wants. Atlanta remains the favorite to make that trade, but others could make a determined push once the combine discussions get going.