Assessing potential suitors for Bears QB Justin Fields

With Kirk Cousins (Atlanta) and Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh) agreeing to terms with new teams, the market for Justin Fields seems to be diminishing — if Chicago plans to trade the 25-year-old quarterback. 

Here are four potential landing spots for the Bears QB, ranked from most to least likely.

1. Seattle Seahawks

During a recent appearance on KJR-FM in Seattle, rookie head coach Mike Macdonald refused to give a clear answer when asked whether Geno Smith will be the starting QB in 2024.

After winning 2022 Comeback Player of the Year, the 33-year-old regressed last season. In 15 games, he went 8-7, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns, nine interceptions and an above-average 59.5 QBR. The Seahawks also missed the playoffs. 

Smith has two years remaining on a three-year, $75M contract, but bringing in Fields to pressure him would make sense. Plus, Fields would add depth at the most important position. The Seahawks haven’t re-signed backup Drew Lock and have no other QBs on the active roster.

2. Denver Broncos

Per Mike Klis of KUSA-TV in Denver, the Broncos plan to draft a QB with the 12th overall pick and add another through trade or free agency. Backup Jarrett Stidham — who posted a below-average 31.1 QBR in two starts last season — isn’t a viable option.

The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt noted the Broncos seem interested in pursuing a young QB, perhaps Fields or Washington’s Sam Howell. Fields — the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft — has more upside and could benefit from HC Sean Payton’s tutelage.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Chicago receiving a second-rounder for Fields “no longer seems likely.”

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bears lowered their asking price, making a deal with Denver — which only has two picks through the first three rounds of the draft — more feasible.

3. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts must replace Gardner Minshew II, who agreed to a two-year, $25M deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. The 27-year-old filled in for starter Anthony Richardson after the rookie suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, going 7-6 in 13 starts.

Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star listed Fields as an option, pointing out how he and Richardson are dual-threat QBs. In 13 games last season, he threw 16 TDs and rushed for four.

Atkins added that Colts general manager Chris Ballard “will have to decide whether a backup is worth key draft capital.” The Colts could also sign unrestricted free agent Tyler Huntley or Josh Dobbs instead.

4. Chicago Bears

On a recent episode of “Get Up,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the Bears have discussed keeping Fields even if they take Southern Cal’s Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the draft. 

Since the trade market is apparently smaller than expected, Chicago could keep Fields — who has one year left on his rookie contract — as a backup or a bridge QB.

However, why would the franchise retain him if it plans to move on?
The New York Post’s Matt Ehalt also suggested potential suitors could emerge during training camp.