The success of the Atlanta Falcons this offseason depends on their ability to address the quarterback position. For the past two seasons, the Falcons’ biggest vulnerability has been at the most crucial position in football; in fact, one could argue that it cost them a postseason berth in 2023. There is no doubt that Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder are the team’s current quarterbacks. At No. 8 overall, Atlanta might select a quarterback, but by then, the top prospects may have already been selected. If the Falcons choose to acquire a quarterback through trade, there is one that sticks out as a potentially more promising alternative.
The Chicago Bears’ native of Georgia, Justin Fields, may be available for trade given that his team has the first overall pick once more. If that’s the case, the Falcons could be able to bring Fields back home while also discovering their next outstanding quarterback.
Regarding Fields’ chances in Atlanta, ESPN’s Bart Scott stated, “I think this would be the next coming of Michael Vick.” Like Vick before him, Fields is among the top quarterbacks in the game right now when it comes to rushing—he even set a record in 2022 with 1,143 yards. He could do better as a passer, but perhaps a shift in environment might benefit him.
Fields is in the final year of his rookie contract and the Bears have not yet selected his fifth-year option. Fields started his undergraduate career at Georgia before transferring to Ohio State. Before he ever plays for the Falcons, they would probably need to decide on said option if they were to acquire him. In addition, Fields may cost Atlanta a second- or third-round pick, which is a significant amount of draft capital.
