Fields is the hottest name being mentioned in trade rumors heading into the 2024 NFL draft. That would be because the Bears — who hold the top pick in the draft — could select USC QB Caleb Williams with the top pick and trade Fields. Or they can simply retain him and draft a wide receiver or offensive lineman to give him added support.
Nonetheless, there’s no guarantee Fields returns to the Bears despite his hot ending the 2023 season. Fields went 4-2 in his last six starts with seven touchdowns and three interceptions to go along with 316 rushing yards.
With that being said, Fields is due to earn $22 million in 2025 if the Bears pick up his fifth-year option. That’s not factoring in the hefty cost it’ll take to sign Fields to a new contract. According to Spotrac, Fields’ market value is $47.1 million per season across six years for a total of over $283.1 million. That would make Fields the sixth-highest paid quarterback in the league.
If that is the case, it makes more sense for the Bears to move Fields and draft a much cheaper successor in Williams rather than bring the dynamic 24-year-old back for a fourth season.
Why Seahawks Could Make Trade for Justin Fields
Smith has been solid during his two seasons as starter since Russell Wilson was traded. He led Seattle to a surprise playoff appearance during the 2022 season and was close to leading them to a second consecutive playoff bid. However, Smith did regress from a statistical standpoint — 2o touchdowns and 92.1 passer rating in 2023 compared to 30 touchdowns and 100.9 passer rating in 2022 — and with Mike Macdonald as the new head coach, he may be inclined to move in a different direction at quarterback.
It could also make sense to release Smith — who has two years left on his deal — and save $13.2 million in the process. If the Seahawks retain Smith, Seattle would be on the hook for the $22.5 million he’s due in 2024.
If the Seahawks want to make a major splash, they could work on a move for Fields. It would obviously require parting with draft capital, but if Seattle feels Fields can bring them to the next level with the receiving talent they already have — DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon-Smith Njigba — then it’s a move they could very well make.