The 2024 NFL free agency period kicked off with some late-night news of one big name quarterback finding a new home. Russell Wilson is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will have a big impact on the Chicago Bears going forward.
We knew the Steelers were in on finding another quarterback, and Justin Fields was a rumored candidate to land in Pittsburgh for a while now. With Wilson signing in Pittsburgh, that takes one major destination off the board for Fields, if the Bears indeed wind up trading him.
Which teams are left as potential suitors to trade for Fields? There are four, in particular, that make sense. Let's tackle them each real quick.
Atlanta Falcons
Of course, the number one destination still appears to be the Atlanta Falcons. Many have kept Atlanta at the top of the list of Fields suitors for quite some time now, and it makes a world of sense for both parties.
The Falcons have a pretty solid core on offense with Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts. The missing piece so happens to be under center, with Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke not necessarily being the long-term solutions.
Atlanta could swing a deal for Fields all while ensuring they use that no. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on another position of need, rather than either reaching for a quarterback or trading up and sacrificing a plethora of draft capital.
Fields is also a Georgia native, which means he would certainly be happy with landing in Atlanta. Sure, he loves Chicago. But, the Falcons could be a perfect fit for the former first-round pick.
Las Vegas Raiders
When it comes to quarterback talk, the Las Vegas Raiders are another one of those teams involved in many of the rumors and whispers out there. The team decided to part ways with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo just one year after signing him, leaving the team with second-year pro Aidan O'Connell as the main guy.
Vegas also cut ties with Brian Hoyer, meaning they will undoubtedly be making a move at the position, as if it were ever in doubt to begin with.
O'Connell showed some things as a rookie, and the Raiders would probably feel great knowing he's a capable backup. But, in terms of starting potential, he doesn't seem to be a long-term answer. Las Vegas did invest a fourth-round pick into O'Connell, though, which means something.
If Fields landed with the Raiders, he'd have the luxury of throwing to Davante Adams, who without a doubt becomes the best wide receiver he's ever had. Jakobi Meyers is also there as an underrated target, along with second-year tight end Michael Mayer.
The Raiders sit at pick no. 13 in the first round this year, so they would either have to make a massive trade up to land a top prospect, or settle for someone like Bo Nix or Michael Penix, who both might be a reach at that pick.
Minnesota Vikings
As gut-wrenching as it might be to see the Minnesota Vikings ultimately land Fields, they are a prime candidate for a quarterback this offseason and have been involved in the Fields rumors. Let's first establish the fact that the Vikings would likely have to give up more than any other team if they truly wanted to trade for Fields.
As a division foe, Minnesota isn't going to be afforded the same type of treatment as other suitors. Let's say other teams are offering the Bears a second and fifth-round pick for Fields. Minnesota would probably have to raise the bar to a second and a fourth rounder, for example.
The Vikings have arguably the best wide receiver in the game, today, in Justin Jefferson. That would be quite the treat for Fields to walk into, being able to boast the league's no. 1 wideout from the get-go. Minnesota also has second-year wide receiver Jordan Addison, and of course tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Fields would have no shortage of weapons from the moment he walked in the building. But, would the Bears really move Fields to a division rival? That's the question.
Denver Broncos
It was evident, early on, that Sean Payton and Russell Wilson weren't going to co-exist. You could tell something was off with that relationship. Now, would the Denver Broncos really entertain a trade for Fields after parting with a 9-time Pro Bowl quarterback like Wilson? It's tough to see, but it's a possibliity.
Denver is picking at no. 12 overall in the draft, and without a whole lot of financial resources and looking at having given up a ton for Wilson in that trade two years ago, their options are limited. If they stuck with pick no. 12 and settled for someone like Nix or Penix, assuming Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and even J.J. McCarthy are off the board, that could be their best option.
Or, they could opt to try and trade for Fields. The one question I would have, though, with this scenario, is whether or not Fields has what Payton is looking for. There was a report, recently, that stated Payton wanted a quarterback who was a quick processor. Obviously, Bears fans know that isn't a huge strength within Fields' game. So, is he a realistic option for the Broncos? Maybe, just maybe, he is, if there are no other options.