I know what you’re thinking. There’s no way the Chicago Bears would ever trade Justin Fields, let alone within the NFC North. But there’s a chance that the Bears could be inclined to trade him, and if they are, the Vikings should be making a call.
The Bears are in an enviable situation. They have a quarterback that’s on a rookie deal and can lead them to the playoffs with a solid infrastructure. Part of that could come with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, but the Bears would be foolish not to consider taking a quarterback with that pick.
Let’s say Ryan Poles views Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud in the same vein as Fields. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t make sense for Poles to ride out Fields before having to pay him in two years when he could draft his own quarterback and use all four years of his rookie contract.
Mix in more than $90 million in cap space, and the Bears have everything they need to build a powerhouse, even if they decided to get rid of Fields.
This is where the Vikings should start calling. The thought of trading Fields to a division rival could scare off the Bears, but if they make the best offer, it might make sense – especially if they don’t think he’s the guy.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the front office didn’t show fear in making trades within the NFC North during last year’s draft, and it could be smart to at least call the Bears to see what they are thinking.