The Atlanta Falcons Emerge as Front-Runners to Acquire QB Justin Fields This Offseason

As the NFL offseason unfolds, one of the most compelling narratives revolves around the future of QB Justin Fields with the Chicago Bears, who hold the 1st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. USC Trojans QB and 2022 Heisman Trophy recipient, Caleb Williams, is currently heavily favored at -900 by DraftKings Sportsbook to be selected 1st overall come April 20. Essentially, Williams appears destined to be the top pick, irrespective of the drafting team.

Increasingly, it seems probable that the Bears will indeed opt for Williams as their top selection, rather than entertaining trade offers to move back in the draft. Consequently, Chicago is likely to explore trading Fields for future draft assets or pieces to fortify their new quarterback’s supporting cast. Fueling these speculations, Fields recently unfollowed the Bears on Instagram. Against this backdrop, the Atlanta Falcons emerge as the -130 favorites, per DraftKings, to be Fields’ next NFL destination for the 2024-25 season.

Several factors contribute to Atlanta’s frontrunner status in acquiring Fields. Firstly, the Falcons boast a formidable roster, particularly on offense, and acquiring a quarterback of Fields’ caliber could propel them to contention in their division. Despite finishing 7-10 last season, just one game behind the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta holds the 8th pick in the upcoming draft, where the top three quarterbacks are expected to be off the board.

Additionally, apart from his social media activity unfollowing Chicago, Fields notably follows key Atlanta players such as TE Kyle Pitts, RB Bijan Robinson, and WR Drake London, as reported by the Action Network. The Falcons drafted all three prospects within the top 10, underscoring their commitment to building around emerging talent, including their prospective quarterback.

Furthermore, after a rocky start in the NFL, Fields showcased glimpses of franchise quarterback potential towards the end of the 2023 season. The Bears’ strong finish, winning four of their last six games, nearly clinching a playoff berth, coincided with Fields posting career-high statistics in various metrics, including completion rate, passing yards per game, QB rating, and sack rate.

Moreover, Fields’ roots in Georgia, where he was a highly touted 5-star recruit before his collegiate career at the University of Georgia and subsequent transfer to Ohio State, add an intriguing dynamic. While his Georgia ties may not directly influence Atlanta’s decision-making, they could sway perceptions among bettors favoring the Falcons as Fields’ next destination.

While I refrain from placing bets, I am inclined towards Chicago trading Fields to Atlanta as a mutually beneficial move. Fields deserves another shot as a starting NFL quarterback, and given the scarcity of “franchise quarterbacks,” the Falcons stand to benefit from investing in Fields’ potential upside.

However, from the Bears’ perspective, drafting Williams presents an opportunity to reset the “rookie quarterback contract cycle.” Williams, touted as the top quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck, offers immense potential and could thrive with a talented supporting cast—a desirable scenario for any NFL team aiming for sustained success.