Falcons may have competition in a Justin Fields trade

One of the most popular scenarios amongst fans playing out for the Falcons this offseason is a Justin Fields trade.

The Georgia native is expected to be shipped out of Chicago as the Bears use the No. 1 overall pick on Drake Maye or Caleb Williams. Atlanta makes sense as a landing spot.

There’s an obvious need. Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot have already alluded to the Desmond Ridder era being over for the Falcons, so it’s not a matter of if the Falcons acquire a new quarterback. The question is who they’ll acquire.

Fields is a talented, yet underachieving player, which is ironically how many would describe the roster in Atlanta. The Falcons are about as close to “a quarterback away” as a team could get.

The intrigue with a Justin Fields trade is the poor circumstances he’s been in with the Bears. Chicago has had several offensive coordinators during Fields’ tenure, which is terrible for a quarterback’s development. Moreover, until last season, the Bears’ weapons and offensive line were pathetic. Fields never stood a chance.

In Atlanta, the hope is basically that the Falcons’ skill group, offensive line, and offensive coordinator can help him realize his full potential. However, on the other side of things, denying his lack of development is asinine. It’s concerning. In addition, are we sure Fields is a fit in Zac Robinson’s scheme?

A Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan disciple, Robinson’s offense is expected to demand a quarterback who is “an elite processor, play with great fundamentals — the base, the balance.” That is how Raheem Morris described the quarterback the Falcons will target.

With that, the price of a Justin Fields trade might also be a downside because the Falcons may not be alone in their pursuit of him. According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers are a team to look out for in any discussion of a deal.