An offseason filled with quarterback controversy is ahead. The Falcons have been and will continue to be linked to a Justin Fields trade. The latest from Ian Rapoport:
“Another option is a free-agent QB or a trade target like Fields. That’s the name many around the NFL connect to Atlanta, though it’s unclear for sure if that’s the spot.”
The Georgia native is expected to be traded as the Bears reset with Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Fields hasn’t developed as many hoped in Chicago but going through a few offensive coordinators tends to do that at the quarterback position.
There are other complications, though. The Falcons would have to decide on his fifth-year option this offseason with no data on him in Atlanta. It would be a risk.
The price of the acquisition is also another factor that needs to be mulled over. With reports suggesting the Bears could potentially garner a first-round pick, that was to be considered in Atlanta’s plans. That’s a significant amount to give up for a guy that hasn’t materialized much in the league.
Moreover, the Falcons might not even be a realistic landing spot based on Zac Robinson’s offense. Hailing from the Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan tree, Fields might not be a seamless schematic fit like other options.
“Elite processors, when you get those guys that are decision makers, when you get those guys who can just cut it loose and play ball, and also play with those great fundamental techniques — the base, the balance, the short hitches in the pocket” is how Raheem Morris described the quarterback the Falcons will target.
That doesn’t sound like Justin Fields. However, just because he hasn’t shown any of those qualities on a consistent basis in the NFL doesn’t mean it can’t happen. That will be up to Terry Fontenot, Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson to decide if it’s worth the risk.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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