The Chicago Bears are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading quarterback Justin Fields, according to a report by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The team has been reaching out to other teams to gauge interest in Fields, but so far, they have not found much strong interest. This lack of interest is likely due to the fact that other teams know the Bears are looking to make a quarterback change, which diminishes their leverage in trade negotiations.
According to one NFC general manager, “When people know you are getting rid of something, they don’t pay as much for it.” This sentiment reflects the current situation the Bears find themselves in. They are trying to trade Fields, but other teams are hesitant to offer a high value in return.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has not committed to a clear path at quarterback but has expressed his desire to do right by Fields if they decide to move on from him. Poles wants to ensure that Fields is treated fairly and given the best opportunity to succeed in his career.
There is some speculation about how much value Fields could have in a potential trade. The majority opinion among executives is that the Bears could potentially receive a second- or third-round pick for Fields. However, there is some variation in these responses, with one executive suggesting that Fields could be worth a second-rounder or its equivalent value in a package of a third- and fifth-round pick.
Fields had a decent season in 2023, throwing for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 starts. While these numbers are not exceptional, they are not terrible either. However, there are still doubts about whether Fields can be a true franchise quarterback and a foundational piece of an NFL offense.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Fields’ future with the Bears, it is understandable that the team may be considering other options at quarterback. One potential option is USC’s Caleb Williams, who is highly regarded and seen as a promising long-term bet. Even if it means trading Fields for a lesser return, the benefits of having Williams on a rookie contract could outweigh that.
In conclusion, the Chicago Bears are actively exploring the possibility of trading quarterback Justin Fields. However, they are facing challenges in finding strong interest from other teams due to their clear intention to make a quarterback change. The team’s general manager, Ryan Poles, wants to ensure that Fields is treated fairly if they decide to move on from him. There is some speculation about the potential value of Fields in a trade, with opinions varying among executives. Despite Fields’ decent performance in the 2023 season, there are still doubts about his ability to be a franchise quarterback. The Bears may be considering other options, such as USC’s Caleb Williams, who is seen as a promising long-term bet.
