Justin Fields’ future is one of the more intriguing plot lines early in the NFL offseason, and at least one sportsbook believes the former first-round pick won’t be taking his first snap of the 2024 season for the Chicago Bears.
The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the -120 favorite at DraftKings to be the team for whom Fields takes his next regular-season snap. That’s well ahead of the team Fields is currently employed by, with the Bears offered at +185.
The Falcons have a new coach in Raheem Morris and an unsettled quarterback situation after toggling through Desmond Ridder and journeyman Taylor Heinicke last season. Atlanta is expected to be active in its search for a more stable solution at the position, and the Falcons are also among the favorites to land one of two veterans who could be changing addresses: Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins (+300) and Denver’s Russell Wilson (+600).
Fields, who turns 25 on March 5, is younger — and cheaper — than the others as he still has a year remaining on his rookie contract along with a potential fifth-year option.
The Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft and are expected to use it on one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class, led by Southern California’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
That has led to speculation that Chicago may look to part ways with Fields after three seasons.
The sportsbook is offering Fields odds on all 32 NFL teams.
That includes the Pittsburgh Steelers (+300), who were led to the playoffs by Mason Rudolph after second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett was injured. The Las Vegas Raiders (+700) have the fourth-shortest odds to be the team Fields takes his next snap for after finishing the year with Aidan O’Connell under center after veteran Jimmy Garoppolo was benched.
Wilson was another veteran signal-caller to finish the season on the sideline and is expected to part ways with Denver this offseason. The Broncos are being offered at +1300.
JUSTIN FIELDS NEXT SNAP ODDS*
Falcons (-120)
Bears (+185)
Steelers (+300)
Raiders (+700)
Broncos (+1300)
Patriots (+1300)
Commanders (+2000)
Buccaneers (+4000)
Seahawks (+4000)
Vikings (+6000)
Lions, Browns, Panthers, Titans, 49ers, Giants, Saints, Dolphins, Rams (+10000)
Jaguars, Colts, Texans, Packers, Cowboys, Bengals, Bills (+30000)
*DraftKings
Fields talked about his future and his past during Wednesday’s appearance on the podcast hosted by Chicago Bears teammate Equanimeous St. Brown and his brother, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“I can’t see myself playing in another place,” Fields said. “If it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city’s lit. The fans there, they’re great.”
Fields, however, is aware that there are more factors in play.
“Whatever happens, happens,” Fields said. “I feel like the biggest thing going on with this right now is I just want it to be over. Just let me know if I’m getting traded, let me know if I’m staying.”
Fields also addressed his decision to unfollow the Bears on social media.
“Why do people take social media so serious?” Fields said. “I still mess with the Bears, this and that. I’m just trying to take a little break (from football content). I unfollowed the Bears and the NFL. I’m just trying to not have football on my timeline.”
The Bears also own the No. 9 pick in the draft.
Fields missed four games last season due to injury and had a 5-8 record. Still, he set career highs for completion percentage (61.4) and passing yards (2,562) and added 16 touchdowns and a career-low nine interceptions.
He added 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2023, a season after gaining 1,143 rushing yards and scoring eight times.
The draft is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit.
–Field Level Media