Falcons named as potential trade partner for Bears QB Justin Fields

The Chicago Bears have an important decision to make at quarterback this offseason — stick with Justin Fields or draft Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

At this point, all signs are pointing to general manager Ryan Poles selecting Williams at first overall and dealing Fields.

NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo did a recent deep dive on some quarterback situations around the league ahead of the NFL Combine later this month.

The Bears are expected to have an “active market” for Fields, where NFL Network’s insiders noted they’ll be able to land a premium draft pick in a trade. And there’s one team they mentioned specifically as an option — the Atlanta Falcons.

As detailed on NFL.com on Saturday, it would take a historic haul for the Bears to deal the No. 1 pick. That is an indication Justin Fields would be traded to make room for whoever goes with the top pick — presumably a special talent in USC’s Caleb Williams.

If that all tracks, expect the Bears to be able to fetch a premium pick for Fields, who came on late in the season and flashed the potential he’s always had. The kind of leader he is in the locker room stands out, as well. This should be an active market, with teams such as the Falcons, in need of a quarterback but possibly drafting too late (No. 8 overall) for a premium one, emerging as an option, along with any other team that doesn’t believe it can land a top QB in the draft.

As NFL Network’s insiders noted, there are a number of quarterback-needy teams that won’t be in a position to land one of the top prospects in the draft. Outside of the Falcons, the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders could be options.