The Chicago Bears may end up trading Justin Fields this offseason, and the quarterback-needy Atlanta Falcons could be near the front of the line for his services.
The Bears own the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft courtesy of last year’s trade with the Carolina Panthers, and many feel they will ultimately take USC’s Caleb Williams with the top selection.
This would leave Fields out to dry if Chicago kept him on the roster, so it may very well decide to move Fields before the draft in April in order to officially reset and clear the way for Williams.
Should the Bears decide to place Fields on the trade block, there would likely be multiple potential suitors, but none may be more appropriate than the Falcons.
Atlanta tried rolling with Desmond Ridder to start 2023, but Ridder was very disappointing and was eventually benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke did not inspire much confidence, either.
The Falcons went 7-10 this season and contended for the NFC South division title for most of the season, so it’s not like they have a terrible roster. A change under center could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Fields’ career has been marked by inconsistency, but he showed plenty of promise this season, throwing for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 61.4 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 86.3. He also rushed for 657 yards and four scores.
Those numbers came in 13 games, as he missed four starts due to a dislocated thumb.
Atlanta could send a 2024 second-round draft pick and a 2025 third-rounder to Chicago in exchange for Fields, which would be rather substantial compensation for the Bears if they intend to move away from Justin Fields and toward Williams.
Chicago has a decent roster, so giving it more draft capital to continue to build would be a fine route to take.
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