Seven NFL GMs Predicted What Trading Justin Fields Would Fetch

The arguments surrounding Justin Fields remain ongoing. Two camps have formed. One camp has seen enough to believe he has improved and deserves more time to continue as the Chicago Bears starter. The other camp thinks he has plateaued as a passer and will never become a true franchise guy. If the Bears end up with the #1 overall pick, which looks likely, then they need to take the opportunity to move on. Plenty of experts have weighed in on the subject. Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports even spoke to several NFL general managers on what they'd do in Ryan Poles' situation.

They were unanimous: start over.

The belief is that Fields' athleticism can't override his underwhelming capability as a passer. That, along with his rookie contract entering its final year in 2024, must compel the Bears to reset the clock. If Poles plans to do that, the next step becomes apparent. He must trade Fields when the off-season begins. The question becomes what the Bears could get in return. Robinson asked every GM about that. Their answers varied but did offer a relative ballpark.

"GM one: A second-round and fourth-round pick, pending a “good finish” to the season.

GM two: A second-round pick, pending a “strong finish” to the season.

GM three: A third-round pick, plus another late-round pick that could escalate one round based on performance.

GM four: One third-round pick in the 2024 draft, one fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft.

GM five: A third-round pick or a second-round draft pick for Fields, plus a late-round pick back from the Bears.

GMs six and seven had the same proposal: A third-round pick, pending the finish of this season."

Justin Fields should fetch at least a Day 2 pick.

It sounds like the floor is a 3rd rounder while the ceiling is around a 2nd rounder, with some mid-to-late round picks as added dressing. Much of it hinges on how Fields finishes the season and how many teams might be interested in his services. Sam Darnold fetched a 2nd rounder and two Day 3 picks for the Jets two years ago. Fields has performed far better than the former #3 pick ever did in New York. So it isn't unreasonable to think the Bears can fetch the same package, if not more.

Robinson thinks several teams will be interested in Justin Fields. Most of them will likely be picking outside the top 10 of the draft, meaning they have no shot at securing one of the big QB prospects. New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Las Vegas, and Atlanta were all mentioned. It comes down to whether any of those teams, or another, are desperate enough to solve their QB issues and convince themselves Fields can be their guy. He's steadily improved since 2021, is a freak athlete, and might fit better in a different offense. It only takes one GM and head coach pairing to sell themselves on it.