It seems no team wants Justin Fields as their starting quarterback.
With the Vikings reportedly agreeing to terms with free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold, the Bears may be without a viable trade partner that is willing to give up a premium asset for the former Georgia product.
It was just last week that ESPN reported that Chicago found the market for Fields to be “not as robust” as it expected, and the last 24 hours have proven that to be true.
Seemingly all of the teams with quarterback needs, aside from the Denver Broncos and the teams in the first three draft spots, made moves to shore up the position, hurting the Bears’ negotiating position.
The Falcons made the biggest splash by signing ex-Viking Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million, and Minnesota responded by adding Darnold on a one-year, $10 million contract, per NFL Network.
There were reports on Monday that talks with the Raiders were heating up, but they then added former Colts starter Gardner Minshew on a two-year, $25 million contract, per ESPN.
ESPN reported that the contract “seemingly” drops Las Vegas out of the running for Fields.
That leaves Denver as the lone team with a glaring hole, but there’s been little to no buzz about Sean Payton replacing Russell Wilson with Fields.
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CBS reported the Broncos could even make a potential bid for Jets backup Zach Wilson, which seemingly would serve as a bridge option for a prospect.
Payton reportedly is a big fan of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who could be an option should he make it to the 12th pick.
The Giants (No. 6) and Vikings (No. 11) have also been linked to McCarthy.
These moves leave Bears general manager Ryan Poles in a tough spot in terms of finding value for Fields before potentially drafting Caleb Wiliams with the No. 1 pick.
There had been reports that Poles sought a second-round pick, but it seems that may be a pipe dream at this point if Fields isn’t viewed as a starter.
The 49ers settled for a fourth-round pick from Dallas when they traded Trey Lance after his second season, and Lance did not play last year as Dak Prescott’s backup.
It’s possible Chicago could retain Fields into training camp and see if any team realizes it needs to acquire a quarterback or should any injuries arise.
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