INDIANAPOLIS — Bears general manager Ryan Pauls says he will be “right next door” to quarterback Justin Fields if Chicago decides it wants to release the 24-year-old signal-caller, who will become a free agent. I said before that I would trade him.
This was the closest Poles came to acknowledging what they now largely believed to be a fait accompli. The Bears plan to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, but Fields will continue his NFL career elsewhere in 2024.
If the Bears ultimately reach that likely outcome, the Polish's next challenge will be finding a suitable 2021 first-round pick.
A quick look at the quarterback situation and draft assets across the league quickly narrows down potential landing spots to a few spots or fewer.
But the Atlanta Falcons, one of the teams that has always been considered as Field's next home, may be establishing themselves as the leader of the small pack in the Fields trade sweepstakes.
“We want the best fit for our employees, we want the best fit for our coaches, we want the best fit for our city, and we want to do all of those things,” Falcons head coach Raheem said. said. Morris spoke to CBS Sports at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday about Atlanta's QB search. “Nothing is ruled out. I forgot to mention trades, because all these things come into play. We are really bored and how do we acquire what is best for us? I really went through the process of deciding whether to do it or not.”
Ears rang everywhere when Morris mentioned him as a “great fit” for the city, and people immediately started connecting the dots to Fields, a native of Kennesaw, Georgia.
Morris knew it would cause a stir, but he reiterated the importance of having a leader for his football team who connects with the city and its fan base.
“People will read too much into those words and other things, but no matter what actions they take,” Morris said. “Some of them are from Atlanta, some of them are from the Atlanta area. You could name how close some of those people are. We do what's best for the team, what's right.” It has to happen at the right time. We won't do it.'' Until we make a decision on that day, we can't rule out anything. ”
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot spoke to the assembled media Tuesday, highlighting the fact that the Falcons are in the market for a new starting quarterback, whether through the draft, free agency or trade. I didn't avoid it.
“Yes, we have to do it right and that's really clear. We're not running away from it. We know it's important to get that position right, but it doesn't stop there. We’re not avoiding it,” Fontenot said. We have to get the right quarterback and we have to improve this entire roster and get ready for this season.
“We're going to keep all our options open. Free agency, trades, draft, we're working on all of those things at the same time. We've got a lot of really smart guys in our building. We've got really, really good talent. We have a lot of talent.'' We spend a lot of time with them and work on it. ”
When asked what he was looking for in a Francisco quarterback, Fontenot seemed to point to the things the Bears have admired about Fields during his time in Chicago: resiliency and leadership.
“It's from the neck up and it's about who you are as a person,” Fontenot said. “There are many preferences, skill sets, and physical characteristics, but one thing that never changes is makeup, personality, and work ethic.”
“There's no pressure anymore outside of them, the head coach…and you can't predict how a person will deal with that pressure. So they have to have essentially the right things to deal with it. .”
Fields still has room to improve as a passer, but his teammates and coaches have praised his character and the work he has put in to improve and secure his spot as the Bears' franchise quarterback. .
Fields did his best, but the unique circumstances of the Bears acquiring the No. 1 overall pick over the Carolina Panthers will likely mean his end in Chicago and a new start in Atlanta. right.
But the Falcons can't talk about that possibility…yet.
“We have two players under contract,” Morris said Tuesday in response to a question about Fields and Russell Wilson. He doesn't intend to embarrass us.”
“But it's really exciting that we have a quarterback group of the caliber that we can get. That's our fan base, that's what makes our front office, and that's what I want to do. All of our coaches are excited to be in our (conference) room talking about those guys.”
A league source told NBC Sports Chicago that the Falcons have confirmed with the Bears about Fields. It's unclear how far those conversations have progressed, but there's reason to hope they'll resume in Indianapolis this week.
For now, Fields remains a Bear.
However, Pole apparently hinted today that Chicago and Fields are likely headed for a breakup, while the Falcons may be willing to let the young quarterback off his hands. I lit up a sign to get his attention.
