NFL writer links Bears QB Justin Fields with AFC West team

With the Chicago Bears seemingly unable to get anything of note in a trade involving quarterback Justin Fields ahead of the Saint Patrick's Day holiday, NFL writer Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated suggested on Friday that the Denver Broncos should give Chicago a call following the departure of veteran Russell Wilson. 

"The Denver Broncos currently have Jarrett Stidham as QB1 and they don’t have a top-10 draft pick like other QB-needy teams, such as the Washington Commanders (pick No. 2), New England Patriots (No. 3) and New York Giants (No. 6)," Manzano explained. "Also, the Broncos may not trade up at the cost of losing future draft picks because they have so much dead money on their books after paying Russell Wilson to go away (he’s owed about $38M this year)."

Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been a Stidham fan since at least last winter and reportedly views the 27-year-old as a legitimate starter for Week 1 of the 2024 season. What was once advertised to be a "robust" trade market regarding Fields is now essentially nonexistent, though, as teams around the league expect Chicago will make USC Trojans signal-caller Caleb Williams the first pick of this year's draft and won't want the two sharing a quarterback room this summer. 

While it's thought the Giants could take a flier on Fields depending on how much his value drops between now and the draft, the 2021 first-round pick was previously linked with the Las Vegas Raiders. Denver theoretically shouldn't have to give up much to keep Fields out of Vegas considering he'll be a one-year rental unless his employer surprisingly picks up his option worth around $25.7M for the 2025 season by the May 2 deadline.

"Even if the Broncos decide to take a quarterback with the No. 12 pick in the draft, they don’t have the resources to build a beneficial surrounding for a rookie quarterback," Manzano continued. "Fields has starting experience and can create plays on his own with his legs and arm. He might not fit Sean Payton’s scheme, but the Broncos don’t have many options. They should send Chicago a day three pick and let Stidham and Fields battle in camp."

In a mock draft updated on Friday, ESPN's Field Yates predicted that Denver will select Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix with pick No. 12. Such a supposed "reach" wouldn't be necessary if the Broncos acquired Fields before the night of April 25.