The Chicago Bears seem like in a holding sample on the subject of quarterback Justin Fields.
But when the Bears nonetheless need to transfer on from Fields this offseason, they misplaced a doable commerce companion on the primary day of the NFL’s authorized tampering on Monday.
The Atlanta Falcons determined to take their probabilities with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as a substitute of attempting to commerce for Fields. The Falcons didn’t skimp on Cousins’ contract, both, although the 35-year-old is coming off a torn Achilles damage. Cousins landed a four-year, $180 million deal from Atlanta with a $50 million signing bonus.
The truth that the Falcons would quite give a complete mountain of cash to an growing old Cousins coming off a major damage quite than commerce for Fields, who nonetheless has upside regardless of his obtrusive flaws, isn’t excellent news for the 25-year-old signal-caller or the Bears.
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Chicago now has one much less workforce to attempt to store Fields to, and that record is rising smaller by the day. The Steelers appeared like a logical spot for Fields, however they now not are an choice with Pittsburgh signing Russell Wilson. The Raiders had been a darkhorse candidate for Fields and so they went in a distinct path, selecting up a fringe beginning quarterback Monday as properly.
The Vikings might be in want of a quarterback now that Cousins signed elsewhere, however it’s laborious to think about Chicago buying and selling Fields throughout the NFC North.
That leaves only a few groups left for the Bears to companion with on a commerce. The New York Giants, New England Patriots or Washington Commanders are in want of a quarterback, however these groups, particularly the Patriots and Commanders given their draft place, might pursue different avenues to acquire a quarterback.
The Bears, who’re in play to draft their quarterback of the long run in Caleb Williams at No. 1 general subsequent month, are dropping leverage on the subject of buying and selling Fields. They may not get the package deal they need in return, both. Mac Jones, who the Patriots drafted 4 picks after Fields in 2021, reportedly was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday for a sixth-round decide.
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At this level, the Bears may simply need to take no matter deal they’ll get on the desk as a result of the commerce marketplace for Fields definitely took successful.