The Chicago Bears? future at quarterback is the subject of as much consternation as any decision that will be made this offseason.
As rumors of the Bears? intent to make their selection at No. 1 overall in the draft, presumably for USC quarterback Caleb Williams, continue to emerge, Justin Fields? future, in particular, comes into question.
A trade could be in Fields? future if things play out that way.
?Expect the Bears to be able to fetch a premium pick for Fields,? Rapoport wrote on February 11. ?This should be an active market, with teams such as the Falcons, in need of a quarterback but possibly drafting too late (No. 8 overall) for a premium one, emerging as an option, along with any other team that doesn?t believe it can land a top QB in the draft.
?That?s the name many around the NFL connect to Atlanta, though it?s unclear for sure if that?s the spot.?
It is important to note that this is framed as Raporport’s sense in conversations with league personnel and not reporting out of Halas Hall. General Manager Ryan Poles remains tight-lipped about his intentions.
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Justin Fields’ Bears Future in Limbo
Fields is a Georgia native, even beginning his collegiate career at the University of Georgia before transferring to Ohio State. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 draft, he is heading into the final year of his rookie contract.
Chicago has until May to decide on Fields? fifth-year option.
The draft is in May. That means his future could be decided long before some of the potential contract concerns come into play.
?The Bears ? have talked about the idea ? as unlikely as it seems ? of carrying both quarterbacks; taking the quarterback at 1 and keeping Fields,? ESPN?s Adam Schefter said on the network’s Super Bowl pregame show on February 11. ?Will they get to that? It?s hard to imagine that. But it is a conversation that?s come up within the organization.?
This sounds like the Bears exploring all of their options.
However, holding on to both quarterbacks also seems like an inefficient way to utilize their resources. The Bears made their trade back from No. 1 last season on March 10. That was four days after the conclusion of the NFL Scouting Combine.
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Falcons Betting Favorites to be Justin Fields’ Next Team
Schefter also mentioned the Washington Commanders as a potential suitor. The Las Vegas Raiders have also been linked to a potential trade for Fields.
The Falcons are the individual betting favorite to land Fields, per Illinois Bet?s Christopher Boan. They are followed by the New England Patriots in second and then the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, and Raiders. The shortest odds are that Fields remains with the Bears/or some other team.