It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears will likely trade quarterback Justin Fields this offseason. As they weigh their options with the first-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Fields’ days in the Windy City are likely numbered.
While many teams have been linked as potential suitors for Fields, a recent report suggests his hometown team could be the favorite to land him.
Atlanta Falcons Viewed as Likely Suitor for Justin Fields
Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago reported that the Atlanta Falcons have contacted the Bears regarding the availability of Fields this offseason.
“A league source told NBC Sports Chicago that the Falcons have checked in with the Bears about Fields. It’s unclear how far those conversations went, but there’s reason to expect them to pick back up this week in Indianapolis,” Schrock said.
As the NFL world assembles in Indianapolis for the 2024 NFL Combine this week, it often serves as the breeding ground for moves around the league. Teams will often discuss potential trades and signings at the NFL’s most important pre-draft event.
While it’s been reported that the Falcons have registered some level of interest in Fields, the fit makes sense for multiple reasons as well.
Fields’ Potential Fit in Atlanta
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was blatantly honest about Atlanta’s quarterback situation when asked about it during his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“If we had better quarterback play, I may not be standing here at the podium,” Morris said.
Despite their 7-10 record last season, Atlanta’s offense struggled, largely due to poor quarterback play, which led to the firing of Arthur Smith, who has since been replaced by Morris. Clearly, fixing the quarterback position will be a priority down in Atlanta.
Fields was born in Kennesaw, Ga., and started his collegiate career at the University of Georgia. After an inconsistent start to his NFL career with the Bears, a return home would likely be a welcome change for Fields.
Yet the move would make sense for the Falcons as well, who already have plenty of weapons to work with on offense. Fields would be surrounded by the most talent that he’s had in his NFL career with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts in Atlanta.
What Would the Falcons Trade for Fields?
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons are armed with seven total draft picks, including three picks on the second night of the event — notable for a potential trade for Fields.
Before the 2019 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals traded second-year quarterback Josh Rosen to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2019 second-round pick and a 2020 fifth-round pick. While it’s a different situation, and Fields is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, the compensation could be similar.
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Atlanta has most of its offensive core under contract for several more years and could afford to take a chance on Fields. if the asking price is a Day 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons will likely jump at the opportunity to bring Fields home.
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