"Considering trading Justin [Fields]? Caleb Williams? I'm not sure. Who's got the first pick?" Stroud inquired.
"The Bears. Do you think they'll stick with Justin?" USA Today questioned.
"They should if they're wise. But... you know," Stroud replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"It's the Bears," USA Today noted.
"You said it, not me," Stroud quipped.
It's worth recalling that the Bears passed on selecting Stroud in the 2023 NFL draft. Instead, they traded the No. 1 pick to the Panthers for future picks and DJ Moore.
Stroud was subsequently chosen by the Texans with the No. 2 pick after the Panthers, armed with the Bears' pick, selected Bryce Young. Stroud enjoyed a remarkable rookie season, securing Offensive Rookie of the Year honors by a significant margin and earning a spot in the AFC Pro Bowl.
Notably, Stroud followed in Fields' footsteps at Ohio State, where they were teammates during the 2020 season. While Stroud played as Fields' understudy, Fields showcased his prowess by throwing for 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns in eight games.
As Stroud hinted, the Bears have faced persistent quarterback issues throughout their lengthy history, underscoring the significance of the 2024 NFL draft. Despite Stroud's belief, the allure of a talent like Williams may be too compelling to ignore with the top pick.
The offseason decisions of the Bears remain uncertain, leaving football enthusiasts eagerly awaiting their next moves.
POLL | ||
21 FEVRIER | 28 ANSWERS C.J. Stroud subtly criticizes the Bears, advocates for the team to retain Justin Fields. Will the bears make the playoffs next season? | ||
Yes | 15 | 53.6 % |
No | 13 | 46.4 % |
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