Even if Aidan O’Connell plays well down the stretch, the Las Vegas Raiders are likely to evaluate their quarterback position after the season. The team currently holds the 11th pick in the draft, which could put them out of range of drafting one of the top quarterbacks.
Instead of trading up in the draft, the Raiders could look to add a veteran. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports reports a trade that sends quarterback Justin Fields to Las Vegas while the Chicago Bears get the Raiders’ second-round pick and a conditional third-round pick that could turn into a second-rounder if Fields plays 75% of snaps in 2024.
“In this mock, the Bears do what is probably best for the future of the team and Justin Fields himself: they trade him to give him a fresh start and get some early picks in the process,” Trapasso wrote in a November 30 mock draft. “Given how hyped the quarterback class is, Chicago—likely holders of two top five picks — shouldn’t pass on a young, talented and inexpensive option at the game’s most vital position.”
Being able to add a quarterback with some upside without having to give up a first-round pick is appealing but Fields does come with risks.
Is Justin Fields the right fit?
Whether or not Justin Fields makes sense in Las Vegas largely depends on who the next head coach is. Fields has proven to be a better runner than a passer in his brief career. He rushed for 1,143 yards last season while only passing for 2,242.
A coach like Jim Harbaugh could make sense for Fields, as he had success with mobile quarterback Colin Kaepernick when they both were with the San Francisco 49ers. A coach like Detroit Lions head coach Ben Johnson may be better suited for a pocket passer like Aidan O’Connell.
