What packages could the Carolina Panthers put together if the Chicago Bears made quarterback Justin Fields available for trade in 2023?
Speculation is quickly reaching incredible levels surrounding the 2023 NFL Draft and especially how many quarterbacks could go in the first few picks. The Carolina Panthers have their eye on a franchise signal-caller of the future with Frank Reich at the helm, but all signs point to a daring move up the board with competition fierce for the consensus top-four prospects at the position.
The Chicago Bears hold all the cards. And there are growing rumors linking Justin Fields with a potential trade away from the organization.
Just how true this ends up becoming remains to be seen. General manager Ryan Pace outlined his desire to build around the player after an outstanding second season, even if it didn’t give the Bears anything more than the No. 1 overall selection after 10 straight defeats to close the campaign.
A recent revelation from Jason La Canfora claimed more than one NFL general manager came away from the 2023 Senior Bowl with the belief Fields would be traded either before or during the draft. ESPN’s analyst Todd McShay also stated that if he were Chicago, he’d also ship the Ohio State product out in favor of drafting Bryce Young with the opening pick.
The Panthers spurned the chance to draft Fields in 2021 – going for Jaycee Horn instead after making their move to acquire Sam Darnold from the New York Jets. However, if this scenario did come to fruition, one suspects they’d be among the teams picking up the phone.
With this in mind, here are three trade packages the Panthers could offer for Fields if the opportunity arose.
Carolina Panthers trade offer No. 1
While the thought of trading for another quarterback probably fills most Carolina Panthers fans with dread after the Matt Rhule era, this one seems different. Rather than being down on his luck, Justin Fields is ascending and has his best years ahead of him.
Despite the Chicago Bears offering little in the way of protection in front of Fields, the quarterback made encouraging strides in 2022. His dual-threat ability was a constant complication for opposing defenses to overcome, with the player also demonstrating progress in terms of pocket presence and decision-making for good measure.
There is still some work ahead for Fields, there’s no getting away from that. But the Panthers now have a legitimate coaching staff capable of maximizing his exceptional talent next season and possibly beyond.
If the Bears did take calls for Fields – which does appear unlikely despite recent rumors – then the price would be relatively steep. However, if the Panthers offered Chicago the No. 9 overall selection, it might make those in power think twice.
This would allow the Bears to get Bryce Young and a potential difference-maker on the offensive line or at the skill positions. Carolina gets themselves a future franchise quarterback that many believed should have been their No. 8 overall selection in 2021.
Carolina Panthers trade package No. 2
The Carolina Panthers have an abundance of picks in the top 150 after their decision to trade running back Christian McCaffrey before the deadline. He thrived with the San Francisco 49ers before quarterback complications caused their playoff demise, but the deal does appear like a win-win for all parties looking at the bigger picture.
What’s important for the Panthers is putting their newfound draft wealth to good use. If they could package together these selections for Justin Fields, it might be worth its weight in gold.
Should they strike a deal that leaves them with the No. 9 overall pick this year, then this represents the best possible outcome.
While the Chicago Bears have all the leverage right now, this could change the closer we get to the draft. Smokescreens and speculation will be rampant in the coming weeks, which could lead to leaks surrounding Fields’ availability.
Carolina has the capital to become a major player in any discussions should this unlikely scenario become reality. And offering the No. 40 and No. 62 overall selections – both in the second round – is a tempting offer Chicago could use to surround Bryce Young with the weapons needed.
It might take more than this based on Fields’ trajectory. But it’s still a good deal for all parties.
Carolina Panthers trade offer No. 3
One primary reason why Justin Fields failed to put more wins on the board in 2022 was the lack of consistency around him on offense. The Chicago Bears struggled to protect their quarterback effectively and the pass-catchers at his disposal also failed to meet expectations almost from start to finish.
Even trading for Chase Claypool didn’t bring much in the way of improvements. So if the Bears did move off Fields in favor of Bryce Young, they have to surround the former Alabama stud with enough quality to smooth his transition.
This is where the Carolina Panthers come in. Offering the Bears two second-rounders this year and next would help, but sweetening the pot with Terrace Marshall Jr. could be enough for Chicago to accept.
Marshall endured a rough start to his Panthers career thanks in no small part to Matt Rhule’s mismanagement and a clear lack of coaching prowess to develop young talent. Once Steve Wilks took over, it was no surprise that the LSU product thrived along the way.
While hopes remain high that Marshall can become a legitimate No. 2 option opposite D.J. Moore, the chance to grab their future quarterback means he could be sacrificed if it’s something the Bears demand.
That might be disappointing to some. But it’s a small price to pay if Fields becomes the stable presence under center Carolina’s been lacking since the days of Cam Newton.