Typically, the Senior Bowl in Alabama is used for NFL teams to connect. Apparently, that included Justin Fields trade talks with the Chicago Bears young quarterback firmly on the trade block.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, multiple teams inquired with the Bears about potentially acquiring Fields this offseason.
It’s not really a surprise that teams would reach out to Chicago. It boasts the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and is largely expected to select USC’s Caleb Williams. This obviously leaves Fields’ future in Chicago completely up in the air after three so-so seasons from the former Ohio State star.
The expectation is that Chicago will opt to move Fields during the NFL Scouting Combine late this month and into early March. Reports indicate that the Bears can expect a second-round pick and change in exchange for the still-young 24-year-old signal caller.
Related: NFL insider reveals Justin Fields trade timeline and value
Potential Justin Fields landing spots on NFL trade block
Recent reports indicate that Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers is high on Fields. Pittsburgh opened the offseason by releasing veteran Mitchel Trubisky. Holdover QB1 Kenny Pickett is nothing to write home about. The 2022 first-round pick has thrown all of 13 touchdowns with as many interceptions in 24 career starts.
It’s also expected that the Atlanta Falcons are going to be aggressive in looking for an upgrade over quarterback Desmond Ridder. Despite his average play through three NFL seasons, Fields would represent that in a big way.
- Justin Fields stats: 60% completion, 6,674 passing yards, 2,220 rushing yards, 54 total TD, 30 INT
For teams in the market to land a starting quarterback this offseason, Fields would represent a solid cost-effective option. Any acquiring team would be on the hook for a mere $1.62 million cap hit for the 2024 season. He does have a 2025 team option worth an estimated $22 million. Even then, that’s a bargain by today’s standards.