Possessing the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft for the second straight year – this time, from the Carolina Panthers – the Chicago Bears face an interesting decision with Justin Fields. Multiple reports indicated the franchise is leaning toward selecting Caleb Williams with the top pick and, therefore, move on from Fields after just three seasons.
If Chicago was to find a taker, the trade package would likely center around draft capital. ESPN’s Matt Miller recently wrote the Bears could get a second-round pick for Fields, which would recoup the one they traded to the Washington Commanders for Montez Sweat at the trade deadline.
During an appearance on Waddle and Silvy on ESPN 1000 in Chicago, Adam Schefter said that should be fair. However, he thinks the Bears could get an even better pick.
“Definitely,” Schefter said when asked if he thinks Chicago would get a second-round pick for Fields. “I think they might get a 1.”
Chicago was in a similar position last year, holding the top selection after a 3-14 record. But the Bears opted to keep Fields and traded it to Carolina for a haul that included wide receiver D.J. Moore and what became this year’s No. 1 overall pick after the Panthers went just 2-15. He put together his best statistical season yet, throwing for 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games, missing four due to a thumb injury.
Still, Fields’ up-and-down development has created questions about his future with Williams sitting there atop the board, not to mention the fact that he’ll be due for an extension soon. The buzz continues to grow about trading Fields, but the next question would be who would be interested. Speaking from Las Vegas ahead of the Super Bowl, Schefter said the list of suitors might not be a long one.
However, it might not have to be.
“I think [interest in Fields] will be limited, to a certain extent, but it really doesn’t matter if it will be limited because if there were just a couple of teams – and I think there could be – then that’s all it takes,” Schefter said. “It doesn’t take something where you need 18 teams all vying for his services. If there are a couple – and like I said, I think there could be – then it becomes something that becomes relevant. And we’ll see whether or not it happens.”
The discussion around Justin Fields continues to add to the intrigue around the draft, especially considering Chicago also holds the No. 9 overall pick. It’s shaping up to be a major decision for Ryan Poles as he enters his third year as general manager.
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