Bears' Coach Matt Eberflus Delivers Direct Message to Justin Fields
The Chicago Bears have been busy this offseason, making significant changes that include planning for a new stadium and reshaping their roster to accommodate new quarterback Caleb Williams. The shift began with the trade of former lead QB Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. A recent report from Sports Illustrated details the events leading up to the trade, highlighting a personal message from Head Coach Matt Eberflus to Fields after the deal was sealed.
The Bears prioritized evaluating Caleb Williams swiftly, aiming to expedite a trade for Fields. However, a delay in Williams' top-30 visit to March 6 disrupted these plans, pushing the trade talks into the free agency period when quarterback options were dwindling. Eventually, General Manager Ryan Poles finalized a deal, trading Fields to the Steelers for a 2024 sixth-round pick, which could upgrade to a fourth-round pick if Fields participates in over half of the 2024 season's snaps.
Following the trade, Poles and Eberflus visited Fields together to deliver the news. Eberflus expressed his gratitude to Fields, acknowledging his leadership and integrity. «We thanked him for his leadership, for the work ethic and just the man that he is, how he's always been a wonderful guy,» Eberflus remarked. «I just told him, �I really enjoyed our relationship over the last couple of years. That certainly doesn't end here.' The bond we've built is special and irreplaceable.»
Both management and Fields reciprocated appreciation for their candid communication during the challenging period leading up to the trade. Subsequently, Poles and Eberflus contacted other team leaders to prepare them before the news of the trade went public.
Caleb Williams enters a promising rookie year with the Bears, who seem to have learned from past oversights with Fields. Williams inherits a capable offense featuring running backs D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Roschon Johnson; receivers D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze; and tight end Cole Kmet. The offensive line, a blend of seasoned and emerging talent, along with a consistently solid defense under Eberflus, positions the Bears favorably in the NFC North.
Though the Bears aren't pegged as immediate contenders, they've strategically placed Williams in a much more supportive environment than Fields initially had, setting high expectations for their new quarterback this fall.
| POLL | ||
7 MAI | 121 ANSWERS Bears' Coach Matt Eberflus Delivers Direct Message to Justin Fields Do you think Caleb Williams will outperform Justin Fields in his rookie year? | ||
| Yes | 97 | 80.2 % |
| No | 24 | 19.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
