Falcons GM explains why feelings on Justin Fields might have changed since 2021 draft

Falcons GM explains why feelings on Justin Fields might have changed since 2021 draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Chasing players a team previously passed on isn’t always the easiest pill for NFL general managers to swallow. It’s the same energy as cutting ties with a player a GM might’ve sacrificed a lot to acquire.

But sometimes, for the sake of the organization, it’s a move front offices are inclined to make.

When asked about the possibility of joining forces with Bears quarterback Justin Fields — who the Falcons passed on in the 2021 NFL draft — general manager Terry Fontenot kept it general, but didn’t rule out the idea of reopening a previously trashed file.

“You evaluate players at every point in their careers,” Fontenot told NFL Network. “And that’s why it’s so critical as we go through free agency, and again, possible trades, we’re evaluating every player. You’re never going to look at a report from last year or the year before. We’re going to look at the evolutions of the players.

“Yes, to answer your question, we have to be detailed and evaluate players in every phase.”

The Falcons bypassed QB Justin Fields on draft day in 2021. Has their interest changed? Here’s a taste from GM Terry Fontenot. To see the complete interview, stream THE NFL REPORT on THE NFL CHANNEL 7 ET tonight on Roku, Tubi, PlutoTV, Peacock, the NFL App pic.twitter.com/mAM4OsIqla

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) February 15, 2024

So the question stands — how impressed are the Falcons with Fields’ body of work over the first three years of his career? More impressed than when they opted to take Kyle Pitts with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL draft instead of Fields?

Back then, head coach Arthur Smith was a known nonfan of Fields. And after failing to recreate the successful run-heavy offense he schemed for Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee with Desmond Ridder, Marcus Mariota and Matt Ryan in Atlanta, he clearly was disinclined then, and could be now (with the Steelers), to chase…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-gm-explains-why-feelings-191136816.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-02-16 20:01:04

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