The Chicago Bears own the first overall pick in the NFL Draft for the second consecutive year. This time, the Bears have the opportunity to acquire a quarterback prospect who is thought by some NFL evaluators to be the finest since Trevor Lawrence. However, what does that mean for Justin Fields?
Entering his final year of a deal, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft will earn a respectable $6 million in 2024. However, Chicago might be better suited dealing Fields for the highest offer available if the Bears intend to choose Caleb Williams or another quarterback in the first round.
Fields is obviously more than just a quarterback; he ranks ninth in running yards in 2022 and is one of the league’s most dangerous runners. However, what would NFL teams give up for a dual-threat quarterback who will turn 25 shortly and has only completed 60.3% of his throws in 38 starts?
Every year, new teams realize they don’t have a franchise quarterback on the roster. The Chicago Bears may very well be in that mindset right now while believing Caleb Williams could offer a higher ceiling.
If so, it’s likely only a matter of time before the Justin Fields trade timeline begins. But what everyone wants to know is how much the Bears may be able to get for the former first-round pick. Meanwhile, teams in need of a spark are also curious about what a player who was once viewed as a potential superstar could be had for.
Related: Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft picks
On Saturday, The Athletic’s NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler chimed in, saying he expects Fields to be traded for “two Day 2 picks.” As to when? He also suggested a Fields trade timeline to pick up around the start of the NFL Draft Combine on February 26, when general managers often discuss offseason moves. However, Brugler also noted that the actual Fields trade may not happen until closer to the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25.
If the Bears do end up adding a pair of picks in either the second or third rounds as Brugler suspects, it would only help build a stronger roster around their new quarterback
