According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Chicago Bears’ attempts to explore potential trade options for quarterback Justin Fields have hit a discouraging note. Graziano’s report suggests that teams aren’t viewing Fields as a more reliable option compared to other available quarterbacks like Sam Darnold or Drew Lock, who come without the added complexity of the fifth-year option decision, a crucial consideration for Fields’ eventual team, to be made by early May.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN chimed in, indicating that despite the lack of a deal for a Fields trade, the Bears aren’t in a state of panic.
However, such comparisons to Lock and Darnold might appear unduly critical, given Fields’ superior performance thus far in his career. Lock’s stint as a starter in the NFL saw him topping the interception charts, while Darnold trails behind Fields in passer rating (78.3 to 82.3) and completion percentage, despite being more aligned with traditional dropback passing.
Nevertheless, Graziano and Fowler’s report underscores the broader complexities involved in evaluating a trade for Fields versus securing Lock or Darnold. Fields, a first-round pick in 2021, comes with a hefty $25.7 million option in 2025, preceding his impending free agency.
Any team, including the Bears, must weigh this significant financial commitment against the uncertainty of Fields’ long-term potential as a franchise quarterback.
Contrarily, signing Lock or Darnold to short-term deals offers flexibility, allowing teams to reassess their quarterback situation within a year. Both Lock and Darnold are seemingly more amenable to backup roles, a factor that isn’t as assured with Fields.
"If you're telling me the difference over the course of two years between Justin Fields and Kenny Pickett is $24M, you go get Justin Fields." 💰
—@danorlovsky7 on the chance to bring Fields to Pittsburgh 👀 pic.twitter.com/zBYN5JTtPR
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 4, 2024
However, it’s worth considering that Graziano and Fowler’s report may reflect posturing from teams interested in Fields’ talents. Despite the apparent hesitations, Fields could represent an immediate upgrade for certain teams in need of a dynamic quarterback, potentially justifying the risk despite the looming financial implications in 2025.
The sentiment expressed by ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky on Get Up further underscores the allure of Fields’ potential, suggesting that the discrepancy in value between Fields and other prospects like Kenny Pickett could make Fields a worthy investment, especially for teams like Pittsburgh.
The current landscape may give the Bears reason to delay a trade for Fields, as it appears his trade value has bottomed out. However, the situation remains fluid, with potential shifts expected post-free agency and the 2024 NFL draft.
