The quarterback position is a problem for the Cleveland Browns, but a bombshell trade involving Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears could provide them with relief.
Ryan Heckman of Dawg Pound Daily suggested the Fields deal, speculating that the Browns could make some “aggressive” moves to take the lead in the AFC North. Other possibilities included the highly talked-about players Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans, as well as pass-catcher Jerry Jeudy of the Denver Broncos.
But given the Browns’ current quarterback problem, the suggested trade for Fields seemed noteworthy. Heckman said the following regarding a possible deal:
“You want to talk about a complete and utter shock to the NFL? Look no further. This would count as the most surprising trade to go down in recent memory, with the Browns already having Deshaun Watson on the roster. … Sure, Watson is hurt. But, we don’t know if there are any underlying issues going on behind the scenes. And, if Cleveland wants to win right now, then going after another quarterback could be in the cards.
“Justin Fields is still on his rookie deal, so Cleveland wouldn’t have to worry about paying him. He’s got next year, plus a possible fifth-year option before Cleveland would have to make a decision. Plus, who knows what happens with Watson in the next year or two.”
Bears Unlikely to Deal Justin Fields at Trade Deadline
There is merit to the Bears’ desire to trade Fields. He hasn’t exactly developed into the quarterback Chicago was looking for when they selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 selection, despite a few strong performances this season.
Due to their trade of the first overall pick one year prior, the Bears are likewise well-stocked for the draft. The Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick and Chicago’s are both in the same draft class. Together, these two basement-dwelling teams have only managed three victories this year. In the end, the Bears may have two picks in the top five and possibly the first overall pick in the draft, depending on how the season plays out. They would then acquire Caleb Williams, the great quarterback for USC.
Fun notion notwithstanding, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune expressed his doubts about the Bears’ ability to trade Fields before the deadline in a post on October 24.
A thumb ailment that has kept Fields out of action for a few weeks is another issue. That will deter any team hoping he’ll contribute this season from parting with assets to get him. For the Bears, a move closer to the draft makes more sense.
Browns Trading for Justin Fields is Not Feasible
Given that Watson’s shoulder injury has persisted for more than a month, the Browns have an obvious quarterbacking issue. His return date is still uncertain, and this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals may see him miss action.
Watson only played a quarter against the Indianapolis Colts on October 22 before leaving the game, missing the remainder of the Browns’ last four games.
The majority of Watson’s replacement work has been done by PJ Walker, but he has not appeared sharp. He hasn’t shown that he can be a starting quarterback for a team that can compete in the playoffs after turning the ball over three times against the Seahawks last week.
If Fields’ injury persists, it would be a terrific acquisition for the Browns to replace Watson. Nevertheless, Cleveland won’t consider the move. Just the cost of moving the assets would be excessive. Less than two years have passed since the Browns gave up three first-round picks for Watson. Upon Watson’s arrival, the team also gave him a $230 million fully guaranteed contract that keeps him in Cleveland through the 2026 campaign.
A veteran quarterback like Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston, or Jacoby Brissett would be a more sensible choice for the Browns.
