Patriots: Latest Justin Fields buzz might take New England out of the running

Though they have Cam Newton lined up to be their starter, the New England Patriots have been identified as a potential suitor for one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2021 Draft, which makes sense given that the former MVP is only signed through next season.

Over the last few weeks, the Patriots have gained steam as a realistic destination for Ohio State star Justin Fields, whose draft stock is fluctuating more than any other top prospect right now.

That predictably led experts to think that the Patriots could trade up and be able to land him somewhere beyond the first handful of selections.

However, Fields’ stock appears to be back on the rise after his second consecutive dazzling pro day.

How much has the narrative changed on Fields, you ask? Well, insider Benjamin Allbright just reported that he’s hearing a lot of buzz connecting the former Buckeye to the 49ers, who hold the third overall pick after striking a blockbuster trade a few weeks back.

We hate to dampen Patriots fans’ moods, which has seemingly been nothing but optimistic since the start of free agency, but this might take New England out of the running for Fields.

The latest Justin Fields buzz doesn’t bode well for the Patriots.

This rumor obviously doesn’t confirm that the 49ers will draft Fields. After all, it previously seemed like they were set on nabbing Mac Jones at No. 3 overall and some analysts in the industry still believe that to be the case.

However, it doesn’t bode well for the Patriots that there are a lot teams ahead of them in the market for a QB as Fields continues to garner more positive recognition. Taking that into account, it makes sense why the Fields-49ers buzz has grown louder over the last 24 hours or so.

At his second pro day, the main takeaway — other than him launching absolute missiles with sheer ease, of course — was his shotgun setup. Throughout his career and at his first pro day, Fields lined up both under center and in the shotgun with his right foot forward.

This time, however, the 22-year-old stud put his left foot forward and right foot back. That might not seem like a big deal to most, but it’s actually a staple for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who’s very particular in terms of what he desires in a quarterback.

In another gut punch for Patriots fans, Fields and Shanahan were even spotted chatting in between the young quarterback’s drills.

https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1382416912202752002

Again, that doesn’t confirm anything as Fields likely conversed with most coaches/scouts who were in attendance, but it sure seems like the 49ers have a real debate on their hands in terms of determining whether Fields or Jones is the pick at No. 3 overall.

It was always going to be a shocker if Fields fell outside of the top five, and this latest round of buzz suggests the 49ers are beginning to come to their senses. In other words, the Patriots’ chances of being able to trade up and draft him have seemingly shrunk significantly.

Patriots’ pursuit of Justin Fields heating up at second pro day?

The New England Patriots' pursuit of Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields appears to be heating up as they'll be in attendance for his second pro day.