Bears quarterback Justin Fields is one of the few NFL players who can spark sharply divergent opinions. Although
Fields’s recent play has increased the likelihood that he will return to Chicago next season, there is still a belief—ex-
GM Randy Mueller stated as much this week in The Athletic—that the Fields-Bears combination is dysfunctional and
that Fields ought to be transferred somewhere. Additionally, Mueller is promoting a possible deal with the Las Vegas
Raiders, just like others have.
Mueller now makes it evident that a team must design its offense around quarterback Justin Fields in order to thrive
with him. That would probably entail assigning Fields to a coach who has dealt with a player similar to Fields in the
past—Mueller recommends offensive coordinator for the Eagles
It’s possible that the Raiders are looking to trade for a quarterback. Furthermore, a new coach should be hired.
“I believe it will take an offensive head coach that is all in with a system akin to Philadelphia’s with Jalen Hurts for
someone to buy Fields stock. By selecting Anthony Richardson, the Colts are making a comparable wager on former
Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen’s ability to improve players’ passing abilities and mold talent,” Mueller
said.
Trade for Justin Fields by the Raiders Would Need an Adjustment
Regarding the likelihood that the Raiders will acquire Justin Fields through trade, Mueller places Las Vegas among
four clubs who ought to be trying to change their quarterback situation and maybe their coaching style as well. He
suggests that a trade for Fields should involve a change in strategy overall rather than just a quarterback.
“If new offensive philosophies are in the cards, these four teams—New England, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans,
and Seattle—should be QB hunting,” Mueller said.
Like Justin Fields, very few players have proven they can be a threat to run from the quarterback position. In 2022,
he ran for 1,143 yards and finished first in the NFL with 7.1 yards per run. This season, Fields protested to the Bears
about their foolish attempt to make him more of a pocket passer, calling his play “robotic.”
Mueller pointed out that was incorrect. Any team facing Fields has to be prepared to use a hybrid approach that
capitalizes on his running ability.
GM and Coach See Potential for Change?
With just three weeks remaining in the season, it’s difficult to determine whether a trade involving the Raiders would
be beneficial for the team, given there are still a lot of unanswered questions at the top of the organization. Antonio
Pierce is the team’s temporary coach, and Champ Kelly is the team’s interim general manager.
It could make sense to switch up the quarterback position if Pierce and Kelly decide to go in a different way, and
Justin Fields would undoubtedly fit the bill. The Raiders will have the opportunity to try him out before committing
to a deal because he is reasonably priced, still on his $19 million rookie contract, and only has $6 million committed
for the following season.
“Whether Justin Fields’ unique explosive athletic traits and strong arm are sufficient to overcome his inconsistent
accuracy and frequent misses is the question facing the (Bears) now,” as Mueller observes.
That would also provide a challenge for Fields’ next squad. He would demand a philosophical shift in commitment.
And before any such Raiders trade is completed, that is the kind of stuff the organization needs to figure out.
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