No team seems to want Justin Fields as their starting quarterback.
With the Vikings reportedly agreeing to terms with free agent quarterback Sam Darnold, the Bears may not have a viable trade partner willing to part with the former Georgia product’s premium asset. .
It was just last week that ESPN reported that Chicago had determined that Fields’ market was “not as robust” as expected, but the past 24 hours have proven that to be true.
With the exception of the Denver Broncos and the top three teams in the draft, every team in need of a quarterback seemed to have moved to shore up the position, hurting the Bears’ negotiating position.
The Falcons made the biggest splash by signing former Viking Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million, and Minnesota responded by signing Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal. Per NFL Network.
The Raiders added former Colts starter Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract after reports on Monday said negotiations were intensifying with the Raiders. Per ESPN.
ESPN reported that the deal “appears” to remove Las Vegas from Fields’ options.
This leaves Denver as the only team with a glaring hole, but there’s little talk of Sean Payton replacing Fields in place of Russell Wilson.
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CBS reported The Broncos could also make a bid for Jets backup Zach Wilson, which would appear to be a bridge option for the prospect.
Payton is reportedly a big fan of Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy and could be an option if he becomes the No. 12 pick.
The Giants (No. 6) and Vikings (No. 11) have also been linked to McCarthy.
These moves put Bears general manager Ryan Pauls in a tough position in figuring out Fields’ value before potentially drafting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick.
There have been reports that the Poles are targeting a second-round pick, but that may be a pipe dream at this point if Fields isn’t viewed as a starting pitcher.
The 49ers settled on trading Trey Lance for a fourth-round pick from Dallas after his second season, but Lance did not play last year as a backup to Dak Prescott.
Chicago could keep Fields in training camp to see if any team recognizes the need for a QB, or in case an injury occurs.
