Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed her NFL combine results, confirming what everyone expects the Bears to accomplish this offseason.
"Multiple league sources I spoke to believe the Bears are trying to move on from Justin Fields, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract," Russini said. "The team, which has the No. 1 and 9 picks, appears to be focused on using its first pick to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams."
Fields' general manager, Ryan Poles, wants to "do right" by his quarterback and trade him before NFL free agency. According to Russini, that may wait.
Her reports suggest the Bears may need free agent quarterbacks (Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson, etc.) to sign before pursuing Fields. She expects Fields' market to be "robust," even though teams prefer free agency. Russini said the Bears evaluated their fourth-year quarterback all week.
Fields reportedly prefers the Falcons as a landing destination. Fields' trade to Atlanta is widely favored by oddsmakers. Recent reports suggest the Falcons prefer Cousins or Mayfield.
The buzz around the combine" is Cousins is the Falcons' top pick this offseason, according to Zach Klein. A league source tells NBC Sports Chicago's Josh Schrock that the Falcons have contacted the Bears about Fields. The extent of their discussions is unknown.
The Bears would try to trade Fields before free agency on March 13 if they did. How terrible a return would they accept to "do right" by Fields and trade him quickly?
Eight NFL coaches and executives were asked how much they would give up for Fields in another Athletic story. Most chose a second- or third-round pick. One suggested a first-round pick. Another offered a third-round pick as his top offer. Poles will get what for Fields in trade? If the Bears want to deal him, it won't take long.
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