The intrigue surrounding the Chicago Bears’ future quarterback situation is intensifying.
Justin Fields’ season with the Chicago Bears took another disappointing turn on Sunday when he sustained a hand injury after being sacked during a three-man rush. With a 1-5 record, the Bears are firmly in the running for the coveted 2024 No. 1 pick, Caleb Williams, who could potentially step in as the new QB of the future, replacing Fields.
Even if the Bears don’t secure the top draft pick, it’s not out of the question that the team’s front office may consider a change at the quarterback position. While Fields has showcased flashes of brilliance this season, his performance has been marked by inconsistency, and it’s evident that the coaching staff struggles to utilize his talents effectively.
RELATED: Justin Fields Trade Value for Bears in 2023 Revealed by NFL Insider
Should the Bears decide to part ways with Fields, the upcoming October 31 trade deadline could serve as a natural transition point. Rookie Tyson Bagent may have the opportunity to gain valuable playing time in place of Fields, especially if the Ohio State product is sidelined due to injury. By the time the trade deadline approaches, Bagent could be in a prime position to assume the starting quarterback role.
The key factor here is finding a team in need of a quarterback, willing to take a chance on Fields’ untapped potential. Fields, a top-tier athlete in his 24th year, presents an intriguing prospect. Could there be a young team boasting considerable offensive talent, a top-10 defense, a coach ready to win games, and perhaps situated in Fields’ hometown?
Fields hails from Kennesaw, GA, in close proximity to downtown Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jeff Howe of The Athletic suggests that the Atlanta Falcons could be the ideal destination for Fields.
“The Bears are tracking toward the No. 1 pick in the draft, either with their own selection or from the Panthers, so they’re in play for USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye. With major changes likely on the horizon again, it might be best to maximize Fields’ value. Meanwhile, the Falcons were linked to Fields (who’s from Kennesaw, Ga.) before the 2021 draft, and he seems like a pretty solid fit for Arthur Smith’s offense.”
Howe’s proposed trade is quite straightforward: Chicago would receive Taylor Heinicke, a 2024 second-round pick, and a conditional 2025 third-round pick, while Atlanta would acquire Fields.
Fields would immediately step in as the primary quarterback (QB1) for the Falcons, a team in dire need of a quarterback upgrade. Desmond Ridder would then assume the backup role. If Ridder isn’t beyond hope, he would likely benefit from another year or two of development before being entrusted with full-time starting responsibilities.
In this scenario, a trade involving Fields would establish him as Atlanta’s long-term starting quarterback, barring injuries or significant struggles. As noted by Howe, Fields is an ideal fit for Arthur Smith’s conservative, run-oriented offensive scheme. While he may not frequently launch deep passes, Fields excels in improvisation, gains yardage on the ground, and creates breakdowns in opposing defenses near the line of scrimmage.
Fields may not be a prolific passer, but enhancing the performance of the Falcons’ core playmakers would require minimal adjustments. With talents like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson in their ranks, the Falcons possess formidable options at their respective positions, yet their offense has struggled. While some responsibility falls on the coaching staff, Ridder’s reluctance to take risks and his occasional bold but erroneous decisions contribute to the team’s offensive woes.
Fields likely requires a change of scenery after experiencing a tumultuous start to his career in Chicago.
