If the Bears do trade their starting quarterback, fantasy managers will be glad to see him playing for one of these teams.
The 2024 NFL offseason figures to be one of the most fascinating in recent years, both in real and fantasy football. One of the biggest storylines will be the decision of the Chicago Bears to either retain or trade quarterback Justin Fields. They hold the top pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and many experts project them to select quarterback Caleb Williams out of USC. Such a move makes Fields expendable.
A talented field general, Fields has averaged more than 18 fantasy points per game over the last two seasons. And entering his age 25 season, he’s just now getting into the prime of his career. So, if the Bears do decide to part ways with Fields, what are his top landing spots from a fantasy standpoint?
Here are five teams that make sense.
Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons are loaded with good, young talent on the offensive side of the ball, as they’ve used first-round picks on Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson in the last three years. With a new offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson, who has worked with Sean McVay since 2019, and strong weapons at his disposal, Fields would have upside from a statistical and, of course, a fantasy perspective.
The Broncos are expected to part ways with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who hasn’t worked out in his two years with the franchise. In such a scenario, coach Sean Payton would certainly have some interest in Fields. Denver isn’t in very good shape from a salary cap standpoint, but their top offensive skill players are all under contract and adding Fields would improve their fantasy value.
There’s a lot of uncertainty with the Raiders, who will be moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo and looking to upgrade from Aidan O’Connell. Josh Jacobs is heading into free agency, too, so this offense could look a lot different in 2024. With that being said, Fields would be an attractive addition to an offense that still boasts wideouts Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers and sleeper tight end Michael Mayer.
The Vikings have a major decision to make this offseason concerning Kirk Cousins. He can’t be franchised, so the 35-year-old quarterback will have to be re-signed to stay with the team. Minnesota could also pivot and look at making a trade to acquire Fields, though the Bears might not want to deal him within their own division. Still, Fields playing in coach Kevin O’Connell’s pass-happy offense in Minnesota with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal is intriguing.
Fields has been tied to the Steelers in the media, as coach Mike Tomlin might have seen enough of Kenny Pickett to know he’s not the answer. If that’s the case, Fields would be a fantastic pivot. The Steelers are loaded with young talent at running back, wideout and tight end, and new coordinator Arthur Smith would no doubt be able to create a productive, fantasy-friendly attack with Fields at the helm.
