One thing that will never change about the NFL is quarterbacks are always in high demand. It has reached such a point where even those considered on the fringe of “good” are getting paid $40+ million annually. A quarterback who flopped with one team might still fetch a decent price in a trade because other teams are hopeful a better environment will help him blossom. That is the sales pitch every needy organization is giving themselves right now as they look at the prospect of Justin Fields being available.
It isn’t hard to talk oneself into the idea. Fields is an elite athlete with a strong arm. He’s one of the most dangerous threats in the NFL on the move. All one has to do is find a way to get him more comfortable as a pocket passer and you’re golden. Combine that with his contract still being cheap and it isn’t hard to imagine teams wanting him. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network already indicated last week the Chicago Bears could fetch a premium pick for Fields. He doubled down on that statement on Tuesday, stating they expect to get something “really good” for the QB.
Justin Fields is more valuable than people want to admit.
Keep this in mind. Sam Darnold fetched 2nd, 5th, and 6th round picks for the New York Jets a couple of years ago. That was after a season where he barely topped 2200 yards passing with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Fields at least eclipsed 3,000 total yards with 20 touchdowns (4 rushing) and nine interceptions. Not a great season but far superior to what Darnold managed. Combining that with his superior talent makes it easy to imagine teams being more aggressive for his services than people want to let on.
It probably isn’t a coincidence other insiders like Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero suggested the Bears might get a 1st round pick for Justin Fields. They understand how the market works. There is a large number of teams with a glaring need at the position. Free agency and the draft don’t have enough options to satisfy them all. The odds are high that a few will realize Fields is a better pursuit than the alternatives, even at a high price. Remember, lots of these decision-makers have jobs on the line and must sell something to their fanbases.
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Would you prefer Fields or someone like Bo Nix, Michael Penix, or Spencer Rattler? Exactly.
