The Bears made a savvy business decision when they traded the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Panthers for a haul of draft picks and D.J. Moore.
At the time, the logic was that the Bears didn't need the No. 1 draft pick because they had Justin Fields on their roster. Fields had been a first-round selection just two years prior and showed growth in his sophomore campaign.
As such, Chicago opted to keep Fields and build up depth at other positions. Thus far, it hasn't translated into major on-field differences, as the Bears are just 2-5 through seven weeks of action. Still, it has positioned them uniquely for the future, as they own two first-round picks — their own and that of the Panthers.
The Panthers are currently winless, so many believe the Bears will end up with the No. 1 pick as a part of the trade the two teams made last season. That would position Chicago to select a quarterback to replace Fields, who hasn't been as sharp in 2023 as he was in 2022.
So, will the Bears consider trading Fields? It seems like a decision there will soon come to a head.
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However, it isn't likely to happen before the 2023 NFL trade deadline. Here's why.
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It does not seem likely that the Bears will consider parting with Fields before the 2023 NFL trade deadline. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote in an article on Wednesday, Oct. 24 that he "doesn't envision a situation in which the Bears would consider trading Fields before the [trade] deadline at 3 p.m. Tuesday."
This is sensible for several reasons. First and foremost, Fields is dealing with a thumb injury that would complicate any team's attempts to acquire him.
The main goal in acquiring Fields would be to either add talent or competition to one's quarterback room in 2023. That would be the only reason to trade for him midseason as opposed to waiting until the offseason to pursue him.
Given the uncertainty around Fields' health, it will be hard for any team pursuing him to guarantee he will be able to play or be at 100 percent during the rest of the 2023 NFL season. Thus, they would probably be better served waiting to see how he recovers before chasing him in the ensuing offseason.
That's the main reason Biggs believes the Bears will wait to consider trading Fields until the offseason. He believes they may have more leverage if the 2024 NFL Draft is approaching and several teams are still looking for answers at quarterback. If one is afraid of missing on the high-end passers, Fields could potentially fetch a mid-round pick in a trade.
The Bears at that point will also know where they are positioned in the 2024 NFL Draft order. They have two first-round picks, so they should be in the mix to land Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Still, by waiting, they can guarantee they can get the guy they want if they decide Fields isn't the answer (which seems likely at this point).
It's also worth noting that in-season quarterback trades have been few and far between in recent NFL history. Jimmy Garoppolo was notably traded from the Patriots to the 49ers in 2017. Carson Palmer was dealt to the Raiders in 2011. Most big-name quarterback trades happen during the offseason, when it is easier to ingratiate players into offensive systems and game plans.
It seems likely that Fields will finish the 2023 NFL season in a Bears uniform. But Chicago trading him during the 2024 NFL offseason would hardly be a surprise, especially if they end up with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Justin Fields landing spots 2024
Fields would likely have more offseason trade suitors than in-season trade suitors, because a greater number of teams will know who they are — and more importantly, aren't — positioned to land at quarterback.
Here are the teams that would likely show the most interest in acquiring Fields should the Bears look to part with him in 2024.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons entrusted Desmond Ridder as the team's starting quarterback entering the 2023 NFL season, and the results haven't been great. He led the Falcons to a 4-3 record in the first seven weeks of the season, but he has struggled with turnovers, and accuracy and has generally not helped to spark Atlanta's offense.
Fields has his warts, but the idea of pairing him with Bijan Robinson long-term behind a great offensive line is tantalizing. The Falcons could get back to dominating on the ground, in that case, and become quite difficult to beat with a ball-control game plan.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are in a similar boat to the Falcons, though Sam Howell has looked better at times than Ridder. He just hasn't been consistent and has tended to hold onto the ball too long. He has taken far too many sacks as a result, and if Washington brings in a new coach, he could want his own quarterback.
Even if the new coach likes Howell, the Commanders will still need some depth with Jacoby Brissett set to be a free agent. Fields would be a cheap and equally young alternative so he would have a high ceiling in Washington — provided that the team can upgrade its offensive line.
Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill is a free agent in 2024 while Malik Willis and Will Levis remain unproven. The Titans have spent Day 2 picks on the latter two quarterbacks over the past two seasons, so they might not be ready to let either of them go just yet.
Even if they are, the Titans might not be positioned in the draft to land Williams or Maye. They could settle for another quarterback like Quinn Ewers, Michael Penix or Riley Leonard, but getting Fields could have just as much upside, especially if the team keeps Derrick Henry.
Giving the defensive-minded Mike Vrabel that kind of ground game would make Tennessee a lethal ball-control offense.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are another team that could consider trading for a quarterback if they aren't positioned to draft a one. Even if Bill Belichick still believes in Mac Jones, the team has to bring in some competition for him next season, right?
Fields would add mobility to the Patriots' offense, which is something the team hasn't had often at quarterback over the last 25 years. Fields' mobility could provide a spark to the New England running game and help lower the pressure on the team's offensive line. His addition could be a welcome one if the Patriots aren't keen on any of the quarterback prospects in their range.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has been solid for the Buccaneers this year, but he is set to be a free agent after the season. They would likely look to re-sign him, but if they are outbid for his services, they could look at Fields as a potential replacement or competition for Kyle Trask.
Even if Mayfield returns, the Buccaneers could get Fields on the cheap in the hopes of developing him behind Mayfield. Maybe that would be a wasted resource, but it could pay off in a big way if Mayfield regresses to his 2021 and 2022 form.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have Geno Smith on the roster, but they can get out of his contract during the 2024 NFL offseason if they so desire. Even if they keep him, they might want to invest in a younger quarterback given that Drew Lock will be a free agent and Smith is 33.
Pete Carroll's team long had success with Russell Wilson at quarterback. Fields would at least bring some of the mobility that Wilson once had to the offense; that's one of the only things Seattle has missed since Wilson's departure.
Philadelphia Eagles
If Fields is willing to take what would purely be a backup job to land in the right spot, the Eagles could be a nice option. Philadelphia has Jalen Hurts at quarterback, but Marcus Mariota didn't look good in the preseason. Meanwhile, Tanner McKee is a sixth-round rookie who is still developing, so Fields could be a great No. 2 starter.
Fields also has a similar game to Hurts. He's not as accurate a passer, but he has a big arm, and he would likely fare better behind the Eagles' elite offensive line. Howie Roseman is never afraid to make upside trades, so don't rule out Philadelphia as an option.
Minnesota Vikings
Would Chicago trade Fields within the division? Probably not, but Kirk Cousins is set to be a free agent. The Vikings are seemingly ready to move on to a new era at quarterback, so general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might be willing to outbid other suitors if he believes Fields can grow within Minnesota's explosive-looking offense.
Even so, it's hard to imagine the Bears agreeing to this type of trade. So, Minnesota probably won't get Fields in 2024 unless he is released.
