Even if Aidan O’Connell has a strong final stretch of play, the Las Vegas Raiders will probably assess their quarterback position at the end of the season. With their current 11th pick in the draft, the team may not be able to select one of the top quarterbacks.
The Raiders might try to get a veteran rather than move up in the draft. According to Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, the Chicago Bears will receive a conditional third-round pick—which may become a second-round pick if Fields plays 75% of the snaps in 2024—and the Raiders’ second-round selection in exchange for quarterback Justin Fields going to Las Vegas.
In a mock draft published on November 30, Trapasso stated, “In this mock, the Bears do what is probably best for the future of the team and Justin Fields himself: They trade him to give him a fresh start, and get some early picks in the process.” “Chicago, who will probably have two top five picks in the quarterback class, shouldn’t pass on a young, talented, and affordable option at the position that matters most in the game.”
Fields carries some risk, but it’s nice to have a quarterback with some promise without having to give up a first-round pick.
Is Justin Fields the Right Fit?
In large part, Justin Fields’ suitability for Las Vegas will depend on the selection of the team’s next head coach. In his short career, Fields has shown that he is a superior runner than a passer. Last season, he passed for 2,242 yards and ran for 1,143 yards.
Fields may make sense for a coach like Jim Harbaugh, who had success with mobile quarterback Colin Kaepernick while both players were with the San Francisco 49ers. A pocket passer like Aidan O’Connell could be better suited for a coach like Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions.
Fields appears to have unrealized potential, yet in his three seasons in Chicago, the Bears haven’t had a strong head coach. Maybe he needs to be paired with an excellent offensive mind in order to develop into a more well-rounded player. Despite his immense talent, it is still unclear if he has what it takes to be a great quarterback. It would be a significant risk to use two second-round picks for such an unknown talent.
