The trade market for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has dwindled — and quickly — through the first couple of days of free agency’s negotiation period.
Some of Fields’ rumored top suitors — Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders — have signed veterans in free agency, taking them out of the running.
As Fields’ trade market continues to dwindle, ESPN insider Adam Schefter doesn’t know if there’s a starting job out there for Fields right now.
“The teams that are looking at him would be looking at him as a backup,” Schefter said on First Take.
.@AdamSchefter doesn't know if there's a starting job for Justin Fields at this moment 😮
"The teams that are looking at him would be looking at him as a backup." pic.twitter.com/OSodEtG6v5
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 12, 2024
That doesn’t mean the Bears should keep Fields on the roster. That would only create unnecessary tension in the locker room with an incoming rookie, as many of Fields’ teammates have publicly stated they support him as the starter.
It’s one thing to rally around an incoming rookie and another when the guy you supported remains on the bench. Not to mention, Fields would likely take some valuable reps from the incoming rookie.
There will be teams interested in acquiring Fields — even if it’s only for a year. But it’s unlikely general manager Ryan Poles will get the compensation he expected at the start.