The NFL concluded the Super Bowl last week, and the NFL Scouting Combine will begin in one week. This week’s news from the league was a little slow, but that’s great with me because I’m heading to the Combine.
I enjoy the brief pause in the action. The NFL is slow right now, so I was able to take a day off, which was my first since July, I also enjoy driving my ancient Jeep Wrangler TJ with the top down and thinking about life and sports! The outcome of those weeklong travels is as follows.
It’s still unknown what will happen to Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears. With Fields, a former first-round selection who is still developing, and the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears have two options. Caleb Williams, the quarterback for USC, will most likely be selected with that choice; we simply don’t know if the Bears or another team will make the pick.
What the Bears think of Fields, or what they could acquire in return for him, will determine whether or not they move off the pick (perhaps with the Broncos?). Although it has been said that Chicago will not move Fields (since that is what they have to say), there has recently been conjecture that he might wind up in another team.
Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly a big fan of Fields, and the Steelers should be looking for an upgrade from Kenny Pickett. Fields might fetch the Bears a first-round pick in return, and that’s a price tag Chicago may not turn down. Before we know what the Broncos are going to do, some moves like Fields need to transpire.
Fields doesn’t suit the characteristics that head coach Sean Payton is looking for in a quarterback (rhythm, timing), thus I don’t think the Broncos are interested in him. But if the Bears cut him go, they’ll select Williams first overall. The clubs behind them (such as the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots) will either select one of the other “big three” college quarterbacks or demand even more for the selections if they stay and select Williams. In either case, the Steelers may decide to alter their game plan against the Broncos.
Fans are just not on board with the Broncos adding veteran quarterback Jameis Winston this offseason. The New Orleans Saints quarterback knows Payton, and he looked good under the veteran coach. Coming off a season where he threw 30 interceptions, Winston turned his game around and was incredibly safe with the ball under Payton.
We’ll see if the Broncos can make a power move up into the top-five of the NFL Draft, as most around the league expect. If they do, then the need for a guy like Winston is not that high. However, if they end up with a quarterback selected in the second or third round, then Denver will need a guy like Winston. Jarrett Stidham didn’t show the ability to be an effective starter last year, and the team needs an upgrade if they draft a passer who needs time to develop.
Winston is a favorite of his teammates, and he can handle the tough coaching from Payton. He’s got a carefree style, and that blends with Payton’s old-school approach. Winston could step in and win games with Payton. In fact, if tasked with starting most of the regular season, Winston would be able to make the Broncos playoff contenders
