SM reported a couple of weeks ago that Justin Fields of Ohio State was the most likely target if the Chicago Bears decided to move up in the 1st round. Team brass felt despite some of the misgivings people have about him that he represents superstar potential with a proven track record. This isn’t a sure thing but it certainly seems like he is their target from all the nuggets that have surfaced.
The problem was it seemed like they had some competition for him. Most notably in the form of the New England Patriots. It isn’t a secret the team is pining for a new quarterback after Tom Brady left. Cam Newton is the man of the moment but they need something more substantial. Rumors really began to pick up in the past few days that Fields is their target of opportunity. However, one man has it on good authority that might be nothing more than a misdirection for their real target.
What I’ve been told, by a reliable source —- @Patriots are working on a new contract for Jimmy G that could lead to a deal with @49ers. Same source who correctly told me Tom Brady had signed with @Buccaneers. Doesn’t mean it will get done, but they’re working on it.
— Dale Arnold (@DaleEArnold) April 28, 2021
This is something people have speculated about for some time.
Especially after the San Francisco 49ers moved up to #3. A clear sign they’re taking a quarterback. Everybody presumes this means Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t going to be around much longer. If the 49ers can find a way to trade him and unload his bloated salary? It makes perfect sense to do it. The Patriots are such an obvious landing spot. They drafted Garoppolo in 2014 and developed him for several years. Head coach Bill Belichick had originally planned for him to be the heir apparent to Tom Brady.
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Sadly he ran out of time and was forced to trade him in 2017. This could be his opportunity to fulfill his original vision. The one issue is that contract, which they seem to be intent on working through. If this comes to pass, it likely removes New England from the quarterback picture early in this draft. Couple this with Denver already trading for Teddy Bridgewater? The obstacles to Fields continue to fall away.
Justin Fields is a worthwhile pursuit for the Bears
Are there concerns about him? Certainly. It was revealed he suffers from a generic form of epilepsy this past week though it has never affected him in games. Some have concerns about how quickly he can process defenses from the pocket. A valid problem. Then again most college quarterbacks have that same issue when they get to the NFL. Ultimately some can get better and others can’t. The Bears won’t know until they grab the guy and start working with him.
In absence of a perfect prospect, history shows the best thing to do is take a gamble on talent. Justin Fields has a case for being the most gifted QB in this class. A 6’3 guy with a ripped physique, 4.41 speed, a live arm, and the ability to throw the ball with accuracy at any level. Giving him a chance to learn under this staff with so many QB experts and sit behind a proven veteran like Andy Dalton? That isn’t a bad plan.
Do the Bears want him? If so, how bad?
Those are the questions that remain without answers. Less than 24 hours remain until fans finally get them. If this Patriots update comes to fruition, then the Fields idea becomes a little less crazy. The Bears must put their fate in the hands of the football gods. Something that hasn’t always been a good thing. Especially when quarterbacks are involved.
