A lot has been made about the possibility of the Falcons targeting Justin Fields this offseason. The Bears are likely to own the #1 overall pick in the draft again, courtesy of their trade with the Panthers last draft cycle, who took Bryce Young. Most expect the Bears to finally move on from Justin Fields and take a quarterback, making him available for trade, but what if they don’t?
Following Chicago’s most recent loss to the Browns, which many pinned on Fields, several of his teammates were asked about the possibility of moving on from him, and none of them were keen on the idea.
Fields’ top target went as far as to say the Bears shouldn’t take any quarterback in the draft because Fields is better than them.
Chicago Bears DJ Moore says Justin Fields is better than any QB coming to the 2024 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/RjN5HIV7hB
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) December 18, 2023
Darnell Mooney seconded that notion, saying, “Justin Fields is the quarterback of the future.”
“Justin Fields is the quarterback of the future. He's the franchise quarterback. He's been balling. I don't understand why it's anymore questions.”
– Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney(Via @Schrock_And_Awe)
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 18, 2023
The Bears shouldn’t make decisions solely on the voices inside the locker room, but some of this has to be considered, especially when star cornerback Jaylon Johnson goes on a podcast and hints that there could be a divide in the locker room if the Bears decide to draft a quarterback and ship Justin Field off elsewhere.
Really interesting stuff from Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on his teammate Justin Fields.
(Video via @670TheScore) pic.twitter.com/2n5PV7cCgS
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 18, 2023
If it were me, it’s a no-brainer. The Bears should draft a quarterback, restart the rookie clock, and build around the #1 pick, whether that’s Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Justin Fields has shown flashes, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to hand a second contract, and having a quarterback on a rookie contract is a cheat code in this league. However, what have the Bears done in recent memory to suggest they will make the correct decision?
It’s very possible they listen to their players, roll with Fields, and trade the #1 overall pick to the highest bidder. That’s where the Falcons come in.
With the recent benching of Desmond Ridder, the writing is on the wall. The Falcons will be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, and they shouldn’t settle. That is what got them in this situation in the first place.
The opportunity could be there for the Falcons to trade with the Bears for the top pick. If it is, and Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are clear blue-chip prospects in their eyes, then the decision is an easy one. The Falcons have plenty of young players and all of their draft capital to make a move up the board.
With the right quarterback in Arthur Smith’s system, the product on the field would dramatically shift in a positive direction. The bones are in place for the Falcons to become a legit contender rather quickly, but they have to find a quarterback that can cover up flaws rather than magnify them.
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Photographer: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire
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