The Chicago Bears have begun their offseason work to build and prepare for 2024, as general manager Ryan Poles and the front office is currently interviewing potential offensive coordinators. The process could be slowed by the first few weeks of the NFL playoffs, depending on who the candidates they are targeting. Another aspect of the Bears' offseason affected by the current playoffs is the play of quarterbacks and whether their team may look to address the position in the offseason, which may involve Justin Fields.
Legitimate Contenders Could Be Lining Up To Trade For Justin Fields
The most polarizing aspect of the offseason for Poles and the Bears' organization is what they will do at the quarterback position and whether or not they will keep Fields for the 2024 season or utilize their first overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to draft a quarterback. If the team chooses to select a quarterback in the draft, it will likely mean they will or have already traded their current starting quarterback. Despite the Chicago fanbase and media split on whether Fields should remain or be traded, there will be other NFL teams needing to address their quarterback position and will believe they are just a quarterback away from legitimate Super Bowl contention.
One team that just missed out on the playoffs, despite having numerous talented players on offense and having a top-ten defense, is the Atlanta Falcons. The main reason the Falcons missed out on making the playoffs, even with playing in a weak NFC South division, was because of inconsistency at the quarterback position along with issues created by head coach Arthur Smith's play-calling. Atlanta is in a must-win situation heading into 2024, as they still have running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kylie Pitts.
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Depending on who Atlanta's new head coach is, the franchise may believe they can win now with an available veteran quarterback, who may be Fields. Chicago's current quarterback would be an ideal fit for the Falcons' offense as it would be very similar to the offensive talents he has here currently. Fields doesn't target too many wide receivers and usually throws to his number one receiver, tight end, and running back.
A team that made the playoffs but has already been eliminated is the Miami Dolphins, who struggled offensively in their 26-7 loss to the Kanas City Chiefs on Saturday night. Despite having the league's best offense and setting a few franchise records this year, the Dolphins struggled, especially at the quarterback position, and have now lost in the Wildcard round of the playoffs back-to-back years. There are building concerns about how good Miami's Tua Tagovailoa is, as his arm strength is a legitimate concern, especially in inclement weather.
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Fields would be another ideal fit for a team like Miami due to his elite arm strength, especially on downfield throws. Chicago's quarterback would be a perfect match for the Dolphins wide receiver tandem of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who both have recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Additionally, Fields would benefit from being developed by head coach Mike McDaniel, who would likely utilize Fields' mobility to create even more downfield passing plays.
The Dolphins, heading into the 2024 season, will be in an even more win-now situation than other teams due to their offensive success the past two seasons with no playoff success to show for it. McDaniel's job could be in jeopardy with three consecutive first-round playoff losses, while Waddle will need a contract extension soon, as the team will have a lot of potential money tied up at the wide receiver position. A quarterback like Fields could be what the Dolphins need if they want to make the most of their competitive window over the next few seasons.
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Another playoff team that may look towards Chicago to help solve their quarterback issue, depending on how their season wraps up, is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers made the playoffs in 2023 despite starting three different quarterbacks and nearly missing the playoffs because of poor play at the position. Although Pittsburgh has proven weapons on offense, including George Pickens, Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth, they were one of the worst offenses in the league because of their quarterbacks.
A Bidding War For Fields May Give The Bears An Unexpected Return
With multiple playoff-contending teams potentially needing a quarterback, Poles and the Bears may be in the perfect situation to capitalize. The 2024 NFL Draft is projected to have one of the deeper quarterback classes in recent memory, but multiple teams need a franchise quarterback. In addition to needing a proven passer, some NFL franchises may look to other organizations who have former first-round selections that may not have panned out.
Chicago has the best situation with holding the first overall selection while having a former first-round quarterback on a rookie contract, something that other teams have coveted in the prior years. Former first-round passers, including Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, have been traded by the team that originally drafted them because another team thought they could bring out the most in them and gave up substantial draft selections. The Bears could see a similar market for Fields but could receive more in return due to the amount of teams needing to stabilize their quarterback position.
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The numerous NFL teams in win-now situations and see themselves as just a quarterback away could create a bidding war and lead to one team offering something more than expected. With many analysts still believing Fields has the talent to be an elite quarterback, the Bears could potentially get a first-round selection in return for their starting passer. If a franchise offers a first-round selection for Fields, it would be in Poles' best interest to make the trade as it would give Chicago three first-round picks in this year's draft and allow them to address multiple positions on offensive and defense or vice versa.
Chicago is in a terrific position to capitalize on the quarterback market while addressing their issue. Poles has put the team in an elite situation to reap the benefits of whatever direction they chose with their quarterback position. If the Bears go the path of drafting a passing prospect, Fields still gives them a chance, via trade, to get a substantial return because of a must-win situation several teams will find themselves in during the offseason.
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