If there was one popular scenario that seems to have settled in regarding the Chicago Bears’ plans at quarterback this off-season, it involved two steps. First, they will trade Justin Fields, and then they will select a quarterback #1 overall. The overwhelming favorite is Caleb Williams. Obviously, the draft process is fluid and things change. Still, this is the outcome most NFL people envision. The only thing left to determine is the details. One of the most obvious is finding a taker for Fields.
That might not be as difficult as some believe. While he hasn’t been anywhere close to perfect over the past two years, the former 1st round pick has flashed tons of potential. He’s one of the most dangerous runners in the NFL and made some progress as a passer this season. It isn’t crazy to think at least one team believes they can get more out of him than the Bears did. The buzz has already started building around a notable QB-starved organization out east. Fields to the New England Patriots is something to watch, it seems.
Justin Fields made quite an impression on New England.
He played one of his best games against them in 2022, throwing for 179 yards, rushing for 82, scoring twice, and engineering a 33-14 beatdown of the Patriots. Word is the organization wanted him in 2021 but the Bears swooped in to grab him first. That forced them to settle for Mac Jones instead. This could be their chance to explore what could’ve been, this time under new head coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots are in a somewhat awkward spot during the draft. While they do have the #3 pick, there is a strong likelihood two quarterbacks go #1 and #2. That leaves them with a decision.
Do they take the last QB considered top-10-worthy or do they take the best non-QB on their board and trade for Justin Fields? The latter would seem enticing. It will likely cost a 2nd round pick to get Fields, and they can reserve the #3 selection for star Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Chicago would love that scenario. New England holds the second-highest pick in the 2nd round this year. That would give the Bears another premium selection to continue building the roster around the next guy.
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