The Chicago Bears spent the week evaluating the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft and evaluating the trade market for Justin Fields. With the NFL Combine drawing to a close, we appear to be moving closer to Fields being traded.
While the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers have long been viewed as the front-runners to acquire the former first-round pick, other clubs are in the mix. The Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots have been connected to NFL trade rumors involving Fields.
- Justin Fields stats 2023: 86.3 QB rating, 61.4 percent completion rate, 16-9 TD-INT, 2,562 passing yards, 657 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 4 rushing touchdowns in 13 games
Related: Justin Fields trade reportedly could be imminent
After Bears general manager Ryan Poles met with the top quarterback prospects at the NFL Combine and held discussions with clubs about a deal for Fields, there seems to be more clarity on the situation as all 32 teams leave Indianapolis.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Falcons, Steelers, Raiders and Minnesota Vikings have been identified in league circles as the four NFL teams to keep an eye on in trade negotiations with Chicago.
The Vikings are the biggest surprise of the aforementioned group, with little indication before the NFL Combine that he was on the team’s radar. However, if Minnesota believes it won’t be able to trade up for a top-three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to land a top quarterback, then Fields is a viable option to potentially replace Kirk Cousins.
Las Vegas has previously been mentioned around the league as a potential suitor for Fields. However, after hiring offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, it was reported that the Raiders believe Fields played a part in Chicago’s offensive struggles last season.
Related: Chicago Bears’ likely return from Justin Fields trade revealed
- Justin Fields contract: $6.004 million cap hit in 2024, fifth-year option for 2025
Atlanta seems to be prioritizing Cousins in NFL free agency, but there remains a chance he will re-sign with Minnesota. With Chicago preferring to find Fields a new home before NFL free agency opens, his landing spot could prove to have a significant impact on the free-agent market and eventual destination for Cousins and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Related: Fastest players at NFL Combine 2024