As the mock draft train gets rolling, the wheels are also spinning on the uncertain future of Justin Fields.
Many people believe that the Chicago Bears will roll with USC’s Caleb Williams as the quarterback of the future over Fields. Now, one NFL insider provided an update that gives some insight into Fields’ future.
Chicago ‘Wants To Extract the Best Value’ for Justin Fields, Insider Reports
Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer addressed Fields’ future in a Thursday mailbag session. Breer got asked the burning question: “What are the odds that the Bears are drafting a QB with the first pick?”
Breer didn’t hesitate to write down the odds for Williams heading to the Windy City.
“I’d say better than even odds that the Chicago Bears take Caleb Williams first — and the clock is ticking on making that decision, believe it or not,” Breer wrote.
He then dove further into what this could mean for the former 2021 first-round selection.
“If Chicago wants to extract the best value it can for Justin Fields, it’d be preferable to get the process of finding a trade partner off the ground between now and the beginning of March,” Breer said.
Long story short, the Bears are open to finding a possible suitor for Fields.
What Could Timetable Look Like for a Possible Fields Trade?
The NFL has seen blockbuster transactions before the official start of free agency in March.
Before Fields’ draft night, the league saw the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions pull off the stunning swap of Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford in January. Even Russell Wilson was shipped to the Denver Broncos before the Seattle Seahawks and the rest of the league could make official signings.
The 24-year-old Fields has become the most popular name attached to potential trade inquiries by fans and analysts. But say the Bears do decide to shop Fields, how soon can they make it happen? Breer is expecting a competitive free agent QB market this spring.
“Once the league year starts, quarterback spots across the NFL will start to fill up. Kirk Cousins will decide on a home. Baker Mayfield will, too. And so will scores of others,” Breer said.
But here’s why Breer believes the Bears need to act fast on Fields’ future.
“So if the Bears drag their feet on this, they could miss the market at the position,” Breer said. “That’s why I’d bet that Fields could be moved around the time of the NFL Scouting Combine or so…if I were a betting man.”
That means Chicago may have to pull a deal off before Feb. 29 — the date the NFL Scouting Combine begins in Indianapolis. By orchestrating a move for Fields, this would give the Bears’ front office and coaching staff more of a chance to become fixated on Williams.
MORE: Justin Fields and Rookie QBs: What Are the Bears’ Options With the Top Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Or they can also commit more resources to names like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels — both of whom are considered QBs who could go ahead of Williams.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!