Reasons the Bears Might Contemplate Trading Justin Fields and Resetting at Quarterback in 2024
Following a 41-10 defeat to the Chiefs this Sunday, the Chicago Bears are not merely sitting at an 0-3 record; they occupy the lowest tier in the NFL, with a league-worst point differential of -59 after three weeks. Moreover, the anticipated progress of quarterback Justin Fields is conspicuously absent.
Even if competitiveness within the NFC North eluded the Bears, fans might have extended some grace had there been visible growth in Fields, their erstwhile first-round draft pick. GM Ryan Poles, despite not being the drafter, expressed unequivocal support for Fields, gearing the 2023 offseason moves towards bolstering the QB's performance with new starting receivers and an enhanced offensive line.
However, the reality three games into Fields' third NFL season is disheartening. The quarterback seems more distant from being the linchpin «franchise» player than ever. For Bears' followers, this narrative is painfully familiar, reminiscent of the trajectory of Mitchell Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick who eventually fizzled out.
While Fields certainly deserves better, considering he's navigated through multiple coaches, coordinators, and GMs in under three seasons, the undeniable fact remains that he has not found his groove in Chicago. Despite being armed with substantial talent, Fields, often working with less-than-ideal protection and offensive weapons, hasn't been able to establish a consistent rhythm or character in his play.
Yet, the increasing clarity with each game is that there's a misalignment between Fields and the coaching staff's strategies and styles. Despite Fields showcasing improvement in his throwing and totaling 25 touchdowns in his first full year, the coaching staff seems reluctant to optimize his evident strengths, often confining him to a pocket that's far from reliable.
Fields, at 24, is approaching the end of his rookie contract, with only a year remaining unless the Bears decide to exercise a costly fifth-year option for 2025. With his inconsistent downfield decision-making and a tendency for crucial turnovers, it may be prudent for the Bears to consider trade options. Especially when considering the 2024 draft class is expected to be rich with quarterback talent, trading Fields might be a logical step, allowing the Bears to accumulate picks and offload future financial commitments to a player who currently appears misfit for the team's system.
Arguments may arise regarding Fields' current market value, but teams like the Falcons and the Raiders, who lack long-term quarterback commitments and have management familiar with Fields, might be interested. Fields, with his youth, indeed deserves more time, support, and innovative leadership. However, if synchronicity with the Bears continues to be elusive, proactive future planning shouldn't be delayed.
| POLL | ||
27 SEPTEMBRE | 115 ANSWERS Reasons the Bears Might Contemplate Trading Justin Fields and Resetting at Quarterback in 2024 Is Justin Fields a quality starter in the NFL? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 38.3 % |
| No | 71 | 61.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
