The Chicago Bears may hold off on trading Justin Fields until Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield find their teams, aiming to improve trade leverage.
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- The Chicago Bears might delay trading quarterback Justin Fields until other top free-agent quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield, decide on their teams for the next season.
- Despite Fields’ desire to stay with the Bears, the team’s management, led by Ryan Poles, is exploring all options for the team’s best interest, indicating a possible trade.
- Waiting for Cousins and Mayfield to sign could increase the Bears’ leverage in trade discussions in a market with limited starting-caliber quarterback options available.
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Chicago Bears May Delay Justin Fields Trade
The Chicago Bears are contemplating holding onto quarterback Justin Fields until top free-agent quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield make their offseason decisions. Despite Fields’ hope for a speedy resolution regarding his next season’s team, the Bears, led by general manager Ryan Poles, are “open to waiting” to trade Fields, as Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported.
Fields’ Performance and Prospects
Justin Fields, at 25, has shown steady improvement in his NFL career, throwing for over 2,500 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions last season. He also contributed over 650 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 13 games. Despite his potential, the Bears’ acquisition of the No. 1 overall pick and their interest in top quarterback prospect Caleb Williams casts uncertainty on Fields’ role.
The Waiting Game
Contrary to Fields’ preference for a quick decision on his future, the Bears might delay any trade until after top free-agent quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield have signed elsewhere. This strategy could enhance the Bears’ leverage in trade negotiations, as teams missing out on these free agents might become more desperate for a quarterback like Fields. With the draft approaching on April 25-27, any trade involving Fields is expected to happen by then, potentially netting the Bears additional draft picks.
Fields’ Performance and Market Value
Despite concerns over his passing accuracy, Fields has proven himself as a dynamic rusher, accumulating more rushing yards over the past two seasons than any other quarterback. With a $6 million cap hit for the next season, his future team must decide by May 2 whether to exercise his fifth-year option for 2025, with a $25.7 million guaranteed salary. Trade predictions suggest the Bears could receive a second and fourth-round draft pick in exchange for Fields.
