Jaylon Johnson has secured his new contract. That is one less distraction for the Chicago Bears to deal with. Now, the central focus of their efforts is Justin Fields. GM Ryan Poles understands he must figure out what to do with the former 1st round pick. Some still hold out hope the Bears will keep him, but all signs indicate they are moving on with a new quarterback. That means finding a trade partner for Fields. Usually, that wouldn’t be too difficult. However, a vibrant free agent market headlined by Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Russell Wilson makes that problematic.
Some feel the market is dead now. The Bears are screwed. However, it is never that simple. Former defensive end Chris Long spoke to Mike Mayock about the Fields situation on the Green Light podcast. The former Las Vegas Raiders GM understands the situation. One thing he learned on the job is how fluid the quarterback market can be. While things may appear dead now, there is a real possibility Chicago will start getting serious calls after the first wave of free agency as the draft draws closer.
In his experience, that is when the desperate teams will start to emerge.
The Bears may choose patience with Justin Fields.
Nobody ever said they had to get something done before free agency. Yes, they would’ve preferred that. Sometimes, things don’t line up the right way. Poles has plenty of time to let things shuffle. Fields’ 5th-year option decision isn’t due until May 3rd after the draft. There is every reason to think the Bears can push this close to the draft, waiting to see if a GM from another team gets too nervous. They have the advantage of holding the #1 overall pick, so they already have their QB alternative lined up. It’s the other teams that must find solutions.
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The big unknown in all of this is what Poles’ asking price is. Rumblings suggest it hovers around a 2nd round pick. However, no team has been willing to offer that. Not yet. Most of them no doubt hope to land one of the big fish in free agency. One thing is clear. All of them won’t get that wish granted. From there, a decision must be made. Either you take your chances in the draft, or you work out a deal for Justin Fields. The law of averages says somebody will come forward with a solid offer at some point.
A popular option used to be to trade down from #1 (to around #10) and keep Fields and pick up his 5th year option. That’s my Plan B. Build the O and D with a haul of draft picks and let them all mature.
My Plan A is to trade down from #1 as above and trade Fields if I’m blown away. No worries if I’m not. I’ve got enough cash and picks to sign a FA and draft someone on Day 1 or 2. I don’t need no “generational talent.”
Watch out for Denver in the Taysom Hill role.
M.Trubisky got signed by the Steelers. JF1 is a FA next year. I’d wait to sign him rather than give up picks.
When Kirk (I’ve won nothing in Minny) Cousins is the big fish along with Russell (which one is my private office) Wilson, then it’s not the best situation to get a free agent QB. Best of the bunch is Mayfield. And he most likely will stay in Tampa. Why wouldn’t he. It’s where he’s finally had some success. These writers act like Cousins and Wilson are good QBs. They won’t win squat the rest of their very short careers. Let’s wait and see if these GMs actually make offers to them. Could be more smoke than fire. Time will tell.
I find it interesting that reports came out the Steelers were out on fields and sticking with Pickett. But now they are going to sit down with Russell Wilson this week? I see your game Pittsburgh and we ain’t buying it!! Now pony up the picks we want and come get your guy!!!!!