A former Bears player simplifies the debate between choosing Justin Fields or drafting a quarterback.
If you haven't had your fill of the Justin Fields debate, here's another perspective. Former Bears tight end Greg Olsen recently shared his thoughts on the matter in response to Barstool Big Cat.
Olsen's take is straightforward: "No knock on Fields at all. Let's assume the top QB in the draft and Fields are exactly the same now and in the future. The tiebreaker goes to starting the clock over before having to pay the QB $50 million. Once a QB gets paid, he better be able to cover up the holes. Most can't. The elite can."
Indeed, the Bears have the option to exercise Fields' fifth-year option this offseason. Fields is currently in his final season under his rookie deal, which carries a manageable $6.4 million cap hit next season.
However, if the Bears use their current top draft pick to select a quarterback of their choice, they can reset the quarterback contract clock and potentially trade Fields. The new quarterback would serve four seasons on a rookie deal before requiring a significant contract extension.
Choosing a new quarterback and avoiding a hefty contract for Fields also frees up funds for other roster needs, such as the offensive line, edge rushers, and wide receivers.
While potential doesn't guarantee success, Fields has shown flashes of elite play and growth, particularly in his pocket presence and complementary rushing ability. An unfortunate thumb injury sidelined him for four weeks, but he's returned strong, leading the Bears to victory over the division-leading Lions. He has four more games this season to showcase his value as the team's signal caller.
General Manager Ryan Poles has previously stated that he would need to be highly impressed by the incoming quarterback class to consider moving on from Fields. Whether this stance changes with the opportunity to reset the quarterback contract clock remains to be seen, as the NFL offseason approaches.
| POLL | ||
16 DECEMBRE | 94 ANSWERS A former Bears player simplifies the debate between choosing Justin Fields or drafting a quarterback. is Justin Fields done with the Bears after this season? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 34 % |
| No | 62 | 66 % |
| List of polls | ||
