The Chicago Bears have the 1st overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and USC QB Caleb Williams is the projected top pick. Because there’s no reason for the Bears to keep both Williams and Justin Fields, one will get traded. Chicago won’t shy away from trading first overall if the deal is right; and, they did it just last year. But if they choose to trade Fields, these are five teams that could become his destination.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
The combination of Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell led the Raiders to an 8-9 record. Neither looked overly impressive, making Fields a clear upgrade. Garoppolo has a manageable out in his contract, making him a cut candidate if the Raiders can find a better fit. The Raiders are this low on the list simply because there hasn’t been as much buzz connecting them to Fields. Seemingly, the team is more likely to sell than to buy.
Rumors have been flying that teams are calling to enquire about the availability of star wide receiver Davante Adams. If they choose to keep him though, the duo of Fields and Adams would be incredible. Vegas is known for making splashes; and, if the price is right, they could make this move.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Many will believe Atlanta should be higher on the list. On paper, Fields and the Falcons are a perfect fit. He’s a good young quarterback, and he fits the timeline of their young offensive stars, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Fields even spent a year playing for the Georgia Bulldogs in college. He’s also from Kennesaw, making this a homecoming opportunity.
So why rank the Falcons at 4? Atlanta has their sights set on veteran free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons are the overwhelming favorite to sign Cousins, which would provide a strong veteran presence to help the young offense. If they make this signing there really isn’t any reason to trade for Fields as well. But if this signing falls through, look for Atlanta to quickly pivot to Fields, and get a deal quickly.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have tried several quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired. However, none of them have stuck. They could hope to make a big splash by adding Fields. However, for similar reasoning to the Falcons, it might not be likely.
At this time the Steelers are the favorites to sign Russell Wilson in free agency. Making this signing takes away the need to trade for Justin Fields. For a team like Pittsburgh, a veteran quarterback like Wilson could be a better fit because the team has plenty of veteran pieces already. Fields, however, would give the Steelers more of a look to the future and a much more electric impact. The Steelers, while not typically a flashy team, could change that with this move.
2. Minnesota Vikings
With Kirk Cousins appearing set to leave in free agency, the Vikings are searching for a replacement. It might be a difficult task to convince the Bears to trade their quarterback to a division rival, but they could be the best option. If other teams go with veteran quarterbacks, there might be no choice for the Bears. Minnesota seems to like Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy. However, there are no guarantees that he’ll be there when the pick. They could solidify their quarterback position right now with a Fields trade. This becomes increasingly important until superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson signs an extension. Jefferson will want a good passer if he’s going to stay with the team long-term. A deal for Justin Fields provides an electric and stable quarterback to try. It might help convince Jefferson to extend.
1. Denver Broncos
The top destination for Fields? The team that two years ago made one of the worst trades of all time when they traded for quarterback Russell Wilson. That trade was a complete disaster, so why make a move again? Because Wilson wasn’t Sean Payton’s guy. The trade was made before the team brought Payton in, and it’s incredibly important for the head coach to have his guy at quarterback. Payton’s best years were with the New Orleans Saints, where immediately after being hired, he got his guy at quarterback – soon to be first ballot Hall of Famer Drew Brees. Payton has a chance to find his guy now that Wilson is gone, and Fields could be that guy.
The Broncos are out of range to land a top quarterback in the draft. As well, they aren’t the favorites to sign the top free agents. As a result, a trade becomes the most likely option. Fields is the most prolific name on the market and would fit seamlessly with the offense they have in Denver. The team already has good receivers in Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Fields could be the missing piece and become the quarterback to take both Sean Payton and the Broncos back to contention.
