If he’s not back with the Chicago Bears, Justin Fields appears to be running out of options for his 2024 NFL home.
On a Monday when his quarterback peers Kirk Cousins and Gardner Minshew agreed to terms on blockbuster new deals, the Bears’ quarterback remained without a clear home at the start of the league’s legal negotiating period.
In the process, the Bears are beginning to witness a shrinking list of possible suitors for Fields if they want to trade him. Is anyone left who could potentially still add the first-round quarterback from the 2021 class?
What NFL Team Might Trade for Justin Fields?
The warning signs were there on March 1.
Dianna Russini, NFL Insider for The Athletic, reported there was “no clear team” for the Bears’ starter from the last three seasons. She claimed the market wasn’t as robust for Fields. Ten days later, and hours after the free agency negotiating period opened, Fields remains with a Bears team rumored to take Caleb Williams as their future QB1 in the April draft.
While QB-needy teams like the Atlanta Falcons (offered $180 million to Cousins), Las Vegas Raiders (planning to add Minshew) are in the process of finalizing their deals, there are still some starting possibilities out there for Fields despite a shrinking market. Other areas point to teams simply adding him for depth.
Here are the remaining best fits for Fields.
Minnesota Vikings Could Pull Rare Division Trade
Now that Minnesota has an opening behind center with Cousins’ pending departure, the Vikings may need to make a deal with a rival.
Quarterback trades involving rivals are rare, but it has happened before. The Philadelphia Eagles once sent Donovan McNabb to Washington, while Drew Bledsoe went from the face of the New England Patriots to being traded to the Buffalo Bills.
The Vikings are now in a tough spot following the Cousins’ news. It’s either wait for the draft one month from now to nab J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix at No. 11 if one of them is available at that spot or trade for Fields to address immediate QB help.
New England Patriots in Tough QB Spot
New head coach Jerod Mayo said in his opening press conference that he was planning to open the Patriots’ wallets and go after some big-name guys. Many at the time believed quarterback would be one big money move.
With Cousins, Minshew, and even Baker Mayfield no longer in the running, the Patriots may need to turn to Fields.
It’s doubtful the Patriots would surrender pick No. 3 to get Fields. New England could offer one of its Day 3 selections, preferably the 136th pick, to the Bears for the embattled QB. This would help the Bears add a possible sixth draft selection for 2024, as they don’t hold any picks in rounds five to seven.
Los Angeles Rams in Need of QB Depth
It’s time now for wild scenarios that are left over for Fields but could work. And in the case of the Los Angeles Rams, the NFC playoff team needs signal-caller depth anyway.
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Carson Wentz is a free agent. The team is yet to announce they’ve cleared Stetson Bennett to return from the non-football injury list. And as history suggests, head coach Sean McVay has worked well with former first-round QBs.
After all, his list includes inheriting Jared Goff, making the trade for Matthew Stafford, then adding Mayfield before his renaissance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and more recently, signing Wentz. Perhaps L.A. can offer one or two of its sixth-round compensatory picks to Chicago in exchange for Fields.
Cleveland Browns Can Become Strong Fit
The Cleveland Browns became known for rolling out five starting quarterbacks during their playoff march. And it was a concoction of various skill sets.
But the offense is tailored for DeShaun Watson, who’s known to use his legs. The team then drafted Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who’s another past dual-threat. Even P.J. Walker made plays with his legs when called upon.
Fields’ background as a runner and thrower looks like a strong fit here. But with Fields destined to be the backup, the Browns would need to find good value in a trade to make it happen.
Could Philadelphia Eagles Consider a New Backup for Jalen Hurts?
Here’s a place where Fields can form a rare tandem or provide needed assurance for former NFC champion quarterback Jalen Hurts. And already, former NFL executive turned analyst Michael Lombardi sees the Eagles as a strong suitor for Fields.
“If I were Philly because if you put him behind Hurts in a six-back offense, he might go out and play good,” Lombardi said in his GM shuffle podcast.
On the Eagles’ end, it wouldn’t be their first time adding a former first round talent at QB as a backup. The team once signed Michael Vick and Vince Young, who were top five picks.
New York Giants Still Facing QB Questions
One last remaining suitor is the New York Giants.
The franchise is dealing with its own QB dilemma involving Daniel Jones and his future. Many believe the Giants will attempt to deal away their former No. 6 overall pick from 2019.
New York could still opt for the draft and try to nab Daniels, Maye, or wait until the second round to try and get someone like Michael Penix Jr. But if Brian Daboll wants to go the veteran route and work with a running/throwing threat that he once had in Josh Allen, then the former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator might just be able to get the deal done.
KEEP READING: NFL Analyst Blasts Organizations for Lack of Coaching Ability for Justin Fields
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