Justin Fields Delivers a Message to the Bears Regarding a Potential New Contract
Justin Fields: Primed for a Breakout Season with the Bears in 2023
Justin Fields, the Chicago Bears' first-round pick in 2021, has the opportunity to secure a lucrative contract extension if he delivers a breakout performance in the upcoming season. However, Fields is solely focused on winning rather than worrying about his future contract.
During a media interview after the second OTA practice on May 23, Fields was asked about the higher stakes in terms of his development for 2023, considering he will be eligible for a contract extension after the season concludes. Fields emphasized that every year is significant, but he made it clear that a contract extension is the last thing on his mind. He stated,
While Fields is set to earn approximately $11.1 million over the next two years of his rookie contract, the potential for a high-priced extension exists if he has a breakout year. Just like Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, who transformed from a doubted starter to an MVP contender, Fields could define his future with the Bears and earn a substantial extension. Hurts secured a record-breaking $255 million extension from the Eagles, setting a precedent for young quarterbacks.
Beyond contracts, Fields will enter his third season with the Bears in 2023, which will be crucial in solidifying his position as the franchise quarterback or potentially leading to a reevaluation if he fails to exhibit meaningful growth as a passer.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has made significant improvements in surrounding Fields with new weapons. The additions of star wide receiver D.J. Moore, first-round right tackle Darnell Wright, and new starting right guard Nate Davis provide Fields with a stronger supporting cast. The Bears also bolstered their backfield by acquiring D'Onta Foreman, rookie Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer, aiming to replace David Montgomery. Additionally, the drafting of fourth-rounder Tyler Scott enhances their receiving depth.
Now, the onus is on Fields to demonstrate that the organization's focus on his development was worthwhile. In the 2022 season, Fields established himself as one of the most dangerous rushing quarterbacks in the league, accumulating eight rushing touchdowns and recording the second-highest ground yards (1,143) ever achieved by an NFL quarterback. However, there is room for improvement in terms of his short-pass accuracy and overall decision-making speed.
Fields expressed his growing comfort with the offense, stating, "It's the first season I'm going into where it's my second year knowing the offense, so I definitely feel more comfortable in it, just with my reads and stuff like that, just seeing what the defense is doing and stuff like that. It's truly amazing when you have that feeling going in, knowing where your guys are going to be, more comfortable with the footwork stuff. It's been great."
Before Fields and his fellow 2021 quarterback classmates, such as Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones, become eligible to negotiate new contracts, there are two other quarterbacks who could significantly impact the market with their impending extensions.
One of them is Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft. Burrow nearly led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl after the 2021 season. Pro Football Focus projects Burrow to sign a four-year, $214 million contract, surpassing the average annual value ($53 million) and potentially resetting the market. Given his MVP-contending performances over the past two years, the Bengals would be wise to invest in Burrow.
The other quarterback is Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, another standout from the 2020 class. Although the Chargers haven't experienced the same level of success as the Bengals, Herbert's undeniable arm talent makes him worthy of a significant contract. PFF projects Herbert's new deal to be a four-year, $208 million contract, placing him among the higher-paid quarterbacks in the league.
As the 2023 season approaches, all eyes will be on Justin Fields as he strives to prove himself and elevate the Chicago Bears. His performance on the field will not only shape his future but also impact the landscape of quarterback contracts in the NFL.
| POLL | ||
26 MAI | 77 ANSWERS Justin Fields Delivers a Message to the Bears Regarding a Potential New Contract Should the Bears extend Justin Fields' contract? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 76.6 % |
| No | 18 | 23.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
