The Chicago Bears have the first-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and it’s looking more and more likely that quarterback will be the selection.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams could indeed be the next quarterback in Chicago, which would leave quarterback Justin Fields potentially looking for a new home.
Fields has been inconsistent in his three years as Chicago’s starter, flashing moments of brilliance and frustration. However, he started to find a much more consistent frequency into his third season and could continue to build on that with a new team.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared over the weekend that Chicago would need “historic compensation” to trade the top pick, which adds even more fuel that Fields could be on the move this offseason.
While it’s always possible the Bears could keep Fields even if they do draft another quarterback, the most sensible outcome right now are that he plays elsewhere in 2024.
The Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to Fields as of late, so we’ve included them in our five teams that could trade for the quarterback.
Let’s take a look at those teams and three more that would make sense for the 2021 first-round pick.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are the most logical fit on this list, as the team desperately needs a quarterback and doesn’t have a high-enough pick in this year’s draft to grab one of the top guys available.
Fields is from Kennesaw, Georgia, and could return home to play for the Falcons, a franchise that would surely welcome him with open arms after passing on him in the 2021 NFL Draft.
It’d be a good set-up, too, as Fields would have a strong offensive arsenal and very sound offensive line at his disposal. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson also worked with quarterbacks during his time with the Los Angeles Rams.
Raheem Morris on Zac Robinson's work developing QBs:
"His ability to connect to the quarterback, to relate to the quarterback … I thought stood out working with him.
"Watching his work with the quarterbacks with the Rams has been outstanding."
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) February 5, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers spent a 2022 first-round pick on quarterback Kenny Pickett, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to upgrade the position this offseason.
Trading for Fields could be the key to igniting this Steelers offense, even if new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith passed on Fields when he was the coach of the Falcons in 2021.
Smith’s run-heavy offense could fit nicely with Fields’ dangerous rushing ability, and he could help Pittsburgh set itself up better in the AFC North instantly if the Steelers traded for him.
Having George Pickens and Diontae Johnson at wide receiver would give Fields the best receiving tandem of his career, too.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are unlikely to stick with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo next fall, and quarterback Aidan O’Connell is still quite unproven after starting a handful of games in his rookie season.
Fields could be a legitimate boost for first-year full-time head coach Antonio Pierce, and the quarterback could reunite with his former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who just took the same role in Vegas.
Fields performed admirably in Getsy’s system down the stretch last season, so maybe the two could pick up where they left off?
Denver Broncos
Quarterback Russell Wilson’s time with the Broncos feels limited, and we could see coach Sean Payton wanting to take a chance on Fields to be Denver’s next franchise quarterback.
Fields could immediately step in as the starter and work with one of the brighter offensive minds of his generation, and the Broncos do have lots of talent on offense to help the quarterback out as he gets acclimated.
Winning in the AFC West is a tough proposition, but Fields could give Payton his best chance yet at making waves if all goes right.
New England Patriots
New coach Jerod Mayo and the New England front office may have their eyes on one of this year’s quarterbacks with the third-overall pick, but it’s also possible the team wants to take another position or trade down if they’re not completely sold on one player.
Trading for Fields could be a nice way to get around drafting a quarterback high and still acquiring a good starter for 2024 and maybe beyond.
The Patriots are in rebuild mode, but maybe having someone like Fields could speed up the process with his playmaking abilities.
