Grading trade idea Patriots Bears Justin Fields

The New England Patriots are in need of a franchise quarterback and have a few options to consider for the 2024 NFL Draft.

The New England Patriots are facing a critical situation in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a record of 4-13 and a dire need for a franchise quarterback, the team is looking at their options to turn things around. Both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have not proven to be the solution for the Patriots' quarterback needs.

The Patriots are in a favorable position with the No. 3 pick in the first round, and there are three quarterbacks who are considered top prospects. USC's Caleb Williams is expected to be the first overall pick, followed by UNC's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels. If the Patriots believe that one of these quarterbacks is a guaranteed star, then selecting one of them would be the best course of action. However, if they are not convinced, exploring a trade to acquire additional picks could be a smart move.

One potential option for the Patriots is to acquire Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. The Bears currently hold the No. 1 pick, and if they select a quarterback, it would make Fields available for a trade. However, the price to move up from the No. 9 pick to the No. 3 pick should be more than just Fields. Fields has shown potential, but there are still concerns about his passing ability and durability. Additionally, he is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which could lead to an expensive extension.

In a recent mock draft, a hypothetical trade between the Patriots and the Bears was proposed, involving the Patriots acquiring Fields for a third-round pick. Another trade scenario involved the Patriots trading the No. 3 pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for the No. 8 pick, a second-round pick, and a future first-rounder. These trade proposals present different possibilities for the Patriots to acquire a new quarterback for the 2024 season.

The value of Fields in a trade has been debated, with some suggesting that he could be worth a second- or third-round pick. It's clear that the Patriots have several options to consider as they look to address their quarterback situation for the upcoming season. However, it's important that they do not overpay to acquire Fields or any other quarterback. This decision will have a significant impact on the future of the team, and it's crucial that they make the right move.