The Chicago Bears are publicly looking to trade quarterback Justin Fields. With the first overall draft pick, the Bears are almost probably looking for a quarterback, most likely USC’s Caleb Williams. As a result, Chicago is attempting to move Fields, whom they selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, out of Ohio State.
Ideally, the Bears would like to move Fields early in the free agency period, which begins on March 13. Chicago might receive a first-round draft pick in return. However, the widespread opinion is that the Bears will request a second-round pick, another pick late in Day 2 or early in Day 3, or a top-tier starter. Rumors suggest that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons are early favorites to sign Fields. Other clubs in need of a quarterback, such as the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington, or New England Patriots, may also be interested.
The New Orleans Saints are not a team that relies heavily on its quarterback. Derek Carr is the unquestioned starter for at least the next season. While not a top-tier quarterback, Carr improved significantly down the stretch last year and is now among the top half of the league’s passers.
This offseason, Carr will turn 33 and begin his 11th NFL season. With Jameis Winston set to enter free agency and Jake Haener unproven, the Saints will most likely hunt for a backup quarterback with starting experience. Make no mistake: the Saints will not trade a Day 1 draft pick, a Day 2 draft pick, or one of their top-tier players to acquire Fields. However, if the trade price for him falls dramatically, New Orleans may be willing to part up a later draft pick to acquire him.
There are some familiar ties here. Andrew Janocko, the new Saints quarterback coach, had tutored Fields in Chicago for two of his three seasons. There is also the Ohio State link, to which New Orleans has many ties. Chris Olave, current Saints wide receiver, was the Buckeyes’ leading receiver in 2019 and 2020. His quarterback for those two years was Justin Fields. Fields is only 25 years old and still has a lot of potential. As a professional, he has been far more active with his legs than with his arms. Fields has 2,220 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons, with 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022.
