Here are three factors that could influence the Chicago Bears' decision to either trade Justin Fields or keep him if they secure the No. 1 overall pick:
As Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles contemplated the options available to the team with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, he arrived at a clear conclusion. Poles asserted that he would need to be thoroughly impressed by the performances of Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, the top two quarterbacks in the draft, to consider parting ways with their current quarterback, Justin Fields, who is entering his third season.
While Bryce Young has faced difficulties on a struggling Panthers team with a 1-10 record, C.J. Stroud's performance has raised eyebrows. The rookie for the Houston Texans has accumulated an impressive 2,962 passing yards and is on track to break Andrew Luck's 2012 rookie passing record of 4,374 yards. He's also poised to finish with 28 touchdown passes, second only to Justin Herbert's 31 in 2020 for rookie quarterbacks.
Stroud has entered the conversation for the MVP award after just nine games as a professional, while the Bears continue to evaluate whether Justin Fields is their long-term solution at quarterback, despite 32 starts since 2021.
As the Bears approach the possibility of securing the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year (with ESPN FPI giving them a 57% chance due to owning the Panthers' pick), Poles' previous pre-draft logic now applies to Fields. Fields needs to demonstrate that he is the Bears' quarterback of the future, especially with highly touted prospects like USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye expected in the 2024 draft.
Over the past two decades, eight NFL franchises, including the Bears under their previous regime, have drafted a quarterback in the first round only to select another within the next four years. Fields arrived in Chicago as the No. 11 pick in 2021, four years after the team chose Mitch Trubisky at No. 2 instead of Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson.
In just five months, the Bears may once again face the decision of whether to move on from Fields, based on their evaluation of his performance and the top quarterbacks in the draft. Here are three reasons the Bears might consider parting ways with Fields, as well as reasons to stick with him if they secure the top pick.
Why the Bears could consider moving on from Fields if they get the No. 1 pick:
1. Caleb Williams or Drake Maye's Potential: The Bears may believe that prospects like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye are too promising to pass up. Poles and his scouting staff have closely observed these quarterbacks throughout the 2023 season, along with other top prospects like Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. If they view Williams or Maye as elite talents, it could lead them to consider starting fresh with a new quarterback.
2. Fields' Performance in Critical Situations: The Bears are closely monitoring Fields' performance in crucial moments of games to assess his growth. Fields has faced challenges when the team is trailing late in games, and his performance statistics in such situations have not been impressive. If Fields doesn't demonstrate improvement in these areas, it could sway the team's decision.
3. Resetting the Clock on a Rookie QB Contract: The Bears have significant salary cap space for 2024, and if they have doubts about Fields as their long-term answer, committing resources to the 24-year-old quarterback may not align with their financial strategy. They have until May 2024 to exercise Fields' fifth-year option, which comes at a substantial cost. Drafting a new quarterback could provide savings for roster building.
Why the Bears could stick with Fields if they get the No. 1 pick:
1. Fields' Rushing Ability: Justin Fields has established himself as one of the NFL's top rushing quarterbacks, providing a valuable dimension to the Bears' offense. His ability to make explosive gains as a runner is an asset that the team values, and they aim to maintain this aspect of his game while keeping him safe from excessive hits.
2. Passing Improvement: Despite changing coaches and coordinators over his first three NFL seasons, Fields has shown steady growth as a passer. His completion percentage, touchdown percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating have all improved. If the Bears believe Fields can consistently replicate his performance against Detroit, his passing numbers could compensate for any perceived deficiencies.
3. Draft Assets: Holding two high first-round picks, the Bears have the opportunity to add premium talent to their roster. If Fields can perform well in the remaining games of the season, they may choose to use their draft capital to strengthen other positions, such as offensive line, pass rush, and wide receiver, rather than selecting a quarterback.
In summary, the Chicago Bears face a pivotal decision regarding Justin Fields' future as they approach the possibility of securing the No. 1 pick in the draft. They must weigh Fields' performance, potential quarterback prospects, and their overall team-building strategy to make an informed choice on whether to stick with Fields or explore other options at quarterback.
| POLL | ||
27 NOVEMBRE | 44 ANSWERS Here are three factors that could influence the Chicago Bears' decision to either trade Justin Fields or keep him if they secure the No. 1 overall pick: Will Justin Fields start next season with the Bears? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 70.5 % |
| No | 13 | 29.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
