The potential framework for the Chicago Bears to trade away starting quarterback Justin Fields could be solidified in the coming days as it appears more and more likely that the team will pick a passer first overall.
While Fields seemed to progress this season – his third in the NFL – there seem to be hesitations about how well he’ll do for Chicago going forward.
Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer believes that the ‘bones’ of a trade outline could be laid out next week.
‘I’d expect, whatever the plan is, the execution really starts going next week,’ Breer told ESPN 1000 radio in Chicago.
‘I think the bones of [a trade] could be there next week.’
The parameters for a Justin Fields trade will be laid out by the Bears ‘as soon as next week’
![It's looking increasingly likely that the Bears will draft No. 1 prospect Caleb Williams this year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/24/19/81673111-13121705-image-a-58_1708804774155.jpg)
It’s looking increasingly likely that the Bears will draft No. 1 prospect Caleb Williams this year
![Fields finished with a career best 2,562 passing yards in a year shortened by injuries](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/24/19/81673103-13121705-image-a-59_1708804776377.jpg)
Fields finished with a career best 2,562 passing yards in a year shortened by injuries
With the NFL offseason fast approaching, the Bears will likely need to get the gears turning on a deal for Fields sooner rather than later.
‘I think that that’s why if you’re the Bears there’s some urgency to get moving on this because if you’re going to get the best return, the best return is probably going to be available to you right now rather than three, four, five weeks from now,’ Breer said.
The quarterback free agency market is currently looking slim. Russell Wilson is likely to join a group of Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield, but the Denver Broncos have not yet bought him out officially.
But those are good enough names that teams may want to take a flyer on them. Chicago hopes that the temptation of getting Fields could lead at least one team to try and get a deal with them, rather than on the open market.
All of this is to open a spot for a quarterback in the draft. The Bears own the No. 1 overall pick and, if all indications are to be believed, they will be selecting top overall prospect Caleb Williams from USC.
Fields’ tenure in Chicago has been rocky at best – but that’s not entirely his fault. He’s worked with three offensive coordinators in three seasons, a recipe for confusion and stunted development. Nevertheless, Fields passed for a career high 2,562 yards in a season and coupled that with 657 rushing yards in an injury-impacted 2023 campaign.
He recently unfollowed the Bears on Instagram, explaining that he wanted to declutter his timeline before going on vacation while remaining adamant that he hoped to remain in Chicago.
‘Of course, I want to stay,’ Fields told the St. Brown brothers on ‘The 33rd Team’ podcast. ‘To be honest, bruh, I be tryna like … with all the talk [about Caleb Williams, his trade rumors, etc.] it’s hard to just, you know, be in one place. But I can’t see myself playing in another place.
‘If it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city’s lit. The fans there, they’re great. It’s a business. I ain’t got no control over it. Whatever happens, happens.’