The Falcons are in quarterback limbo. Desmond Ridder could very well be the long-term answer for Atlanta, but the jury is still out. When teams don’t have the guy at quarterback, they’re looking for him; the Falcons are no different. Given that search, it’s a popular discussion to bring up the 2021 NFL Draft that could’ve netted Justin Fields instead of Kyle Pitts. The Georgia native spoke to Barstool’s Pardon My Take hosts about Atlanta being a landing spot — “… maybe, there was a chance I go there.”
Atlanta? Carolina? Denver? Pass. @justnfields describes Draft Night and how he became a Chicago Bear. @rhoback pic.twitter.com/43NvxsR5aq
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) February 15, 2023
Fields would go on to say how cool it would’ve been to play for his hometown team, noting that his dad had Falcons season tickets growing up. He added that he got very emotional when he arrived at Mercedes Benz Stadium for the Falcons’ Week 11 contest against the Bears. It’s clear Justin Fields was beginning to warm up to the idea of playing in Atlanta.
Hindsight is always 20/20, so there’s no reason to get upset about the selection of Kyle Pitts over Fields; it was the correct pick at the time. However, there could be a scenario where the Falcons end up with both!
According to Audacy’s Jason La Canfora, multiple NFL general managers came out of the Senior Bowl “fairly convinced” that Justin Fields will be traded. Moreover, Bears GM Ryan Poles told reporters in January that he wants to see Fields get better as a passer.
Last season, Fields was a revelation as a playmaker but was overall inconsistent as a thrower. He completed 60.4% of his passes for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. He was much better with his legs, rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns.
Fields is a special talent, and the Bears lack of weapons combined with a porous offensive line were contributing factors in his less-than-ideal passing numbers. If Justin Fields were surrounded by a more stout front and legitimate offensive talent with a competent coordinator, he has the potential to be truly great. The Bears most likely recognize that and won’t seriously consider trading him.
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