The New England Patriots, instead of boasting a lineup with experienced player Jacoby Brissett, the promising Justin Fields, and the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to strengthen their quarterback roster, now have Brissett, their top draft selection, and a modest sixth-round pick for 2025.
Justin Fields made a move from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers recently. In exchange, Pittsburgh agreed to give Chicago a conditional sixth-round pick for the quarterback, who was a first-round pick in 2021. Should Fields participate in over half of the Steelers’ games in 2024, a scenario that seems unlikely with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, that sixth-round pick would upgrade to a fourth-round pick.
This trade appears to be a smart move for the Steelers, a team still in search of their long-term quarterback solution.
This begs the question, shouldn’t the Patriots be considering a similar strategy?
The Patriots are in a somewhat better position with their draft prospects. They are anticipated to pick a quarterback, possibly Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, in the upcoming draft. Even with a trade for Fields, they could have pursued this plan, hoping the new quarterback would become a key player for the team for many years.
However, drafting a quarterback is never a guaranteed success. Draft prospects, even highly ranked ones like Maye and Daniels, come with their uncertainties, especially for a position as crucial as quarterback. Trading a sixth-round pick for a quarterback like Fields, who has started 38 games over three seasons and shows great potential, seems like a reasonable proposition.
Trading away a second- or third-round pick might not have been a smart move, considering the Patriots’ need to strengthen their quarterback, offensive tackle, and wide receiver positions. However, considering sixth-round picks often end up as depth players or special teams contributors — remembering Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick — acquiring Fields could have been a beneficial gamble.
The Patriots also traded away Mac Jones last week for a sixth-round pick in 2024, not 2025.
Acquiring Fields wouldn’t have guaranteed him the starting spot in 2024 or secured him as the long-term solution. It would have been an opportunity to add another quarterback to the roster and see if he could compete for the starting position. It would have been another attempt at finding the right player for the team.
Fields’ mobility and potential fit with Patriots’ first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt could have been beneficial, especially as the team is looking for a quality offensive tackle. Or, it might not have worked out, leading to Fields being released in August, with the team moving forward with Brissett and a rookie quarterback. Alternatively, Fields could have played for the Patriots in 2024 and then entered free agency after the season.
Now, this possibility is off the table for the Patriots. Some fans might be relieved that the trade for Fields didn’t happen. However, if the Patriots decide against picking a quarterback with their third overall pick, or if the chosen quarterback doesn’t meet long-term expectations, they might regret not trading for Fields and keeping their 2025 sixth-round pick.
What’s your take? Should the Patriots have made a move for Fields, or are you satisfied with their decision to pass? Share your thoughts in the comments below.