Sports Illustrated reports that while the Chicago Bears haven’t actively begun seeking offers for quarterback Justin Fields, interest from other NFL teams has emerged, notably during this year’s Senior Bowl.
Traditionally, pre-draft events such as the scouting combine have often sparked trade discussions, and according to Albert Breer, discussions with other NFL teams at these events have allowed Chicago’s staff to begin assessing Fields’ value for potential trades this offseason.
Despite drafting Fields at No. 11 overall three years ago, Breer notes that the Bears still hold a high regard for him as a quarterback prospect. However, they are currently in the process of finalizing plans regarding their quarterback position over the next few weeks.
Speculation is rife that the team might opt for a fresh start at the position by selecting a top quarterback prospect like USC’s Caleb Williams with this year’s No. 1 overall pick, effectively resetting the quarterback situation along with its accompanying contract dynamics.
Should the Bears choose to replace Fields at the top of the draft, it follows that they would likely seek to trade their current starter sooner rather than later, aiming to leverage the pre-draft quarterback market.
While formal trades cannot be completed until March 13, the official commencement of the 2024 league year, terms of potential agreements can be negotiated and tentatively accepted at any point leading up to that date.
Fields has garnered positive feedback from his Bears teammates despite facing challenges, including injuries and turnovers, over his three seasons in Chicago.
However, the emergence of highly touted quarterback prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye from North Carolina, and Jayden Daniels from LSU suggests that quarterback talent will be in high demand early in the draft.
