It has been quite the past few months for Justin Fields, who, after months of speculation concerning his future throughout the 2023 campaign, is now considered a borderline lock to be traded prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, as the Chicago Bears are set to select top college prospect, Caleb Williams, with the 1st overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Where Will Justin Fields Play In 2024
Since the start of legal tampering period of free agency started on Monday, rumors about the future of Justin Fields have begun to heat up, as the quarterback dominos have begun to fall.
Kirk Cousins signed a mega 4 year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, Russell Wilson signed a 1 year “prove it” deal, of sorts, with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even players who are widely considered borderline, bridge starters, or high end backups, like Sam Darnold, Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, have all found new homes over the past 48 hours.
Trade Market For Justin Fields Not As Robust As The Chicago Bears Had Hoped
However, a trade has yet to materialize for Fields, who is evidently not viewed by any NFL team as being a clear-cut, franchise-leading, long term starter.
Equally, whilst Adam Schefter reported earlier in February that the Bears could conceivably get as much as a 1st round pick for the Ohio State standout in a trade, talks held with teams at the NFL Combine revealed that the market for Fields was significantly smaller than expected.
The most conceivable spots for the young quarterback to land and have a chance to be an immediate starter would be the Minnesota Vikings – to whom Chicago will surely not trade Fields, as they both play in the NFC North, and the Las Vegas Raiders.
If the Raiders decide they would rather push ahead with Gardner Minshew, or use him as a bridge for an incoming rookie QB, then Fields would likely be traded to a team to be a backup, or young understudy.
One surprising place this could end up being, is none other but the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple NFL insiders.
Interesting nugget from @MoveTheSticks on @nflnetwork just now. If the price drops dramatically, would the #eagles be interested in Justin Fields as a dynamic athletic backup to Jalen Hurts?
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 11, 2024
Albert Breer, appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, also broached a similar proposal.
More than 24 hours into #NFLFreeAgency and Justin Fields is still on the Bears roster — what is his trade value now? Could Chicago really keep him through the #NFLDraft now?#NFL #DaBears pic.twitter.com/Xk48LhqBfT
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) March 12, 2024
And finally, Denver Broncos insider, Benjamin Albright, came out in favor of a potential Philadelphia Eagles/Justin Fields move.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Justin Fields winds up as a backup with the Colts or Eagles.
Several teams that were being reported were never in play, and the market has been incredibly thin on him as the Bears have shopped him for a few weeks.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 11, 2024
How Would Justin Fields Fare On The Philadelphia Eagles
To clear up one thing, Justin Fields would not be replacing Jalen Hurts, who was signed to a large extension with the team just last offseason.
However, as Breer mentioned, he would make a good insurance package for the Eagles in case of Hurts injury, which makes sense given Hurts struggles with nagging injuries in 2023.
He also has a similar body type, and in many ways, playing style to Hurts – and is essentially a less refined version of the 2 x Pro Bowler.
The run/pass dual threat nature of the Philly offense would naturally translate well to Fields’ game, and would allow him to develop over the next season. Although, unless he plays exceptionally whilst being forced into action, he will hit free agency in 2025, as the Eagles would likely be reticent to pay $20 million + for the 5th year option for a player they would view as a backup.
This would, consequently, mean that the initial trade compensation for Fields would in turn be limited to not more than one, or perhaps 2, day 3 picks in this upcoming draft, far below the 1st or 2nd round pick the Bears were hoping for earlier this off-season.
We shall wait and see if the Eagles do manage to Fields, and if the Bears manage instead to land that elusive 2nd or 3rd round pick for the promising, if perhaps still somewhat unproven quarterback.
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