A new report claims many around the league believe the Atlanta Falcons are the early favorites to land talented quarterback Justin Fields if the Chicago Bears decide to trade him this offseason.
The Bears have a huge decision to make in April. For a second straight year, they will have the top overall pick in the NFL Draft and have to decide if they should use it on the top QB in this class or go in a different direction because they believe incumbent starting quarterback — and former first-round pick — Justin Fields is their franchise signal-caller.
- Justin Fields stats (2023-24): 3,219 total yards, 20 total TDs, 9 INTs, 86.3 rating
All signs point to Chicago not trading out of the top pick again and making USC star Caleb Williams the top overall selection in 2024. That means Fields could soon be on the trade block and there should be many interested suitors. And one new report claims many executives around the league see the Falcons as an early favorite.
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‘Many around the NFL connect Justin Fields to Atlanta Falcons’
On Sunday morning, NFL Media league insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo reported that Fields “is the name many around the NFL connect to Atlanta.” The trio claimed it’s unclear at the moment if new head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot feel the three-year veteran is a good fit for them.
They also reported Desmond Ridder could also be moved this offseason, so maybe he could be sent back to Chicago in a potential deal.
Fields has shown signs of his immense upside over his first three seasons after being the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. In 2022 his 1,143 rushing yards was the second most ever by a QB in a single season. Then, despite an up-and-down season in 2023 due to early injuries, his completion and passer rating numbers were up and he threw for 300 more yards than the prior season despite playing in two fewer games.