Likeliest Justin Fields Trade Destinations If Bears Actually Do It
Whether fans like it or not, the Justin Fields trade buzz is out there. It’s also not going away. Nobody knows what Ryan Poles will do. The Chicago Bears GM said the current plan is for Fields to be the starter in 2023. However, he also left the window open for that to change if one of these incoming draft quarterbacks makes a strong enough impression. Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp said there are already plans for a trade. Insider Ben Allbright didn’t go that far but did confirm the team is exploring their options.
So the possibility is there. While plenty of people don’t want it to happen, it’s best to at least contemplate the subject. One way to do this is why considering possible teams that may have an interest in him. There are plenty of reasons to think Fields would have a solid market. He’s supremely athletic and one of the most dangerous runners in the league. He has a tremendous deep ball and showed signs of progress as a passer. He’s also only 24 years old. Here are some potential destinations.
Justin Fields might make sense for these organizations.
#5 – Seattle Seahawks
When watching Fields, people have often compared him to Russell Wilson with his athleticism and the great deep ball. Pete Carroll helped turn Wilson into a future Hall of Famer during their long run in Seattle together. It isn’t a stretch to think he’d immediately know how to craft the offense around what Fields does best. The Seahawks have a big decision regarding free agent quarterback Geno Smith. They have enough draft ammunition to go after Fields if they don’t want to pay him.
#4 – Tennessee Titans
Mike Vrabel has done tremendous work as Titans head coach. Sadly he’s been trapped in the QB-loaded AFC with Ryan Tannehill as his guy. The only way he can get his team over the hump is if he lands a similar talent to the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. From a purely physical standpoint, Justin Fields is in that same tier. Vrabel would have to believe he could help the young QB realize his potential. If he does, then this is an obvious phone call for the Bears to make.
#3 – Atlanta Falcons
The Matt Ryan era is over. Desmond Ridder didn’t show much of anything during his brief stint as a starter. That means the Falcons have good reasons to consider an aggressive move at quarterback. This is the same franchise that found success with Michael Vick. Fields was born and raised in Georgia. He’s a hometown kid. Better still, the man who drafted him, Ryan Pace, is currently working in their front office. Everything lines up for this trade to make sense.
#2 – Washington Commanders
One other quarterback Fields is often compared to is Cam Newton. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera had great success with Newton in Carolina, going to the playoffs multiple times and a Super Bowl in 2015. He’d immediately see the benefits of a player like Fields. Washington is in no-mans-land regarding their QB position. They aren’t picking high enough to land a top rookie and aren’t considered a premier free agent destination. This trade would likely be their best option.
#1 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There will be a tough decision on the table for Buccaneers GM Jason Licht. Either he hits the reset button on the roster after Tom Brady leaves, or he tries to land another quarterback that can keep his team competitive. From his perspective, a move for Justin Fields might be worth it. He has the athleticism to survive behind a somewhat iffy offensive line and would have some excellent receiving targets in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin at his disposal. Given the weakness of the NFC South, Licht would have reasons to think a move like this could keep the Bucs in the NFC picture.