One Team Reportedly Emerging As Front-Runner For Justin Fields

Nothing has been decided yet, but the more you listen to Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus talk at the scouting combine, the more it sure sounds like the Chicago Bears are positioning themselves to move on from Justin Fields. Poles said his phone has been ringing off the hook every day. One would imagine most of them are getting an idea of what securing the #1 pick will cost. That is no surprise. The tough question is whether they are doing the same with Fields. As it turns out, that is absolutely the case.

Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago revealed that one team is being far less subtle than others about their interest in the 24-year-old quarterback.

A league source told NBC Sports Chicago that the Falcons have checked in with the Bears about Fields. It's unclear how far those conversations went but there's reason to expect them to pick back up this week in Indianapolis.

For now, Fields remains a Bear.

But Poles clearly signaled today that Chicago and Fields are likely headed for a breakup, while the Falcons lit up a sign to attract his attention that they might be very happy to take the young quarterback off his hands.

This isn't surprising. Atlanta isn't in a great spot to land a quarterback at #8 overall. That means they have two choices. Either they try to trade up for somebody, which would be expensive. Or they can make a deal for Fields. Head coach Raheem Morris talked recently about finding the best fit for his team. Fields is a Georgia native who grew up idolizing Michael Vick. It feels like such a natural connection.

Atlanta may have to fend off others for Justin Fields.

Reports have indicated teams like Las Vegas and Pittsburgh may also be interested in Fields. If they can't figure out their own QB issues in other ways, it could push them to get in on the action. That would serve the Bears well. Current projections have Fields costing a 2nd round pick and a Day 3 pick to acquire. Atlanta would be able to retain their #8 pick in that scenario. Chicago would regain a presence in the 2nd round after trading their original pick to Washington for defensive end Montez Sweat.

Poles said in his press conference that he wants to do right by Justin Fields. If the Bears do move on, they will try to send him somewhere he wants to go. Atlanta feels like the obvious choice. It's close to home and boasts an offense brimming with young talents like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson. Former GM Ryan Pace is in the Falcons front office, so Fields would have a major ally up top. Everything lines up. All Atlanta has to do is make an offer Poles will be happy with.