Falcons may have to compete with one less team in Justin Fields sweepstakes

The Falcons have been heavily connected to Justin Fields as many expect the Bears to part ways with the former Georgia high school star.

Chicago owns the No. 1 overall pick, and Atlanta has an obvious need for a quarterback. The connection is obvious. However, there are many hurdles to that acquisition for the Falcons.

First and foremost, the club has to have a plan for Fields. Zac Robinson is the team’s new offensive coordinator, and though he cut his teeth as a coach under Sean McVay, he’s made it known the Falcons are assessing all possibilities, not just the archetype from what he’s worked with in the past.

Secondly, the contract situation is worth discussing. Fields is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract and will cost a few million dollars but will need a decision on his fifth-year option exercised, which will pay him considerably more in 2025.

Lastly, the actual compensation will have to be mulled over among the Falcons brass. Rumors and reports suggest the bidding won’t make it up to a 1st round pick, but desperation makes teams do crazy things.

The Falcons shouldn’t get caught up in a bidding war and pay more than they’re comfortable with. Thankfully, it seems that possibility has become less likely recently because the Steelers may be completely out of the Justin Fields sweepstakes.

“In any event, the Steelers are not interested in bringing in a quarterback who wants to be a starter,” Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette wrote. “That would include Justin Fields and Kirk Cousins, and probably even Russell Wilson, who has a connection with the Steelers. They are committed to giving [Kenny] Pickett a third season to see if he is the guy to do more than just win a playoff game — something they haven’t done in a franchise-record seven years.”

This is certainly notable news because if one less team is interested in Justin Fields, the Falcons, assuming they’re interested, will have to compete with fewer vying clubs, which will effectively keep the price lower than it would.

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