Though nothing has been formally confirmed, the Chicago Bears are expected to keep the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft while trading quarterback Justin Fields.
The 24-year-old signal-caller is likely to have a few suitors, and according to USA Today, three teams have already “expressed some level of interest” in Fields: the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
So far, Bears general manager Ryan Poles has kept the situation quiet. He hinted that Fields’ input on where he ends up will be taken into account, implying that he does not want to sell the Ohio State grad to the highest bidder.
“It just depends on what opportunities arise,” Poles remarked to ESPN. “If we go down that road, I want to do right by Justin too.” Nobody wants to live in gray; I know it’s uncomfortable. I would not want to be in that scenario, either. So, we will gather the information, move as swiftly as possible, [but] we will not be in a hurry—and see what presents itself and what is best for the company.”
According to NBC Sports Chicago, the Falcons have done more than just express interest in Fields, reaching out to the Bears to inquire about his availability. Atlanta, which has Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke under contract through 2024, is anticipated to improve its quarterback situation this offseason. Neither signal caller performed much in 2023 to demonstrate that they deserved the starting job in 2024.
The Steelers appear to be committed to giving Kenny Pickett another chance to secure their QB1 job, although head coach Mike Tomlin said in January that Pickett “will be challenged from a competition perspective.” Adding Fields would provide Pittsburgh with a quarterback competition between two previous first-round picks who have something to prove.
Jimmy Garoppolo is in Vegas, and despite his impressive rookie season, Aidan O’Connell is unlikely to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Raiders would be a good fit for Fields, who would have an excellent supporting cast that includes receivers Davante Adams, Jakobi Myers, and Hunter Renfrow, tight end Michael Mayer, and maybe running back Joshua Jacobs.
