Report: Chicago Bears Set Deadline for Final Choice Between Justin Fields or Selecting Quarterback with First Overall Pick

With the first overall pick acquired from the Carolina Panthers last year, the Bears face the dilemma of retaining current starter Justin Fields or trading him to select another prospect, likely USC's Caleb Williams.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Bears are in the process of finalizing their quarterback plans and aim to have a concrete strategy in place by the time of the NFL Scouting Combine next week:

"The Bears are meeting over the next couple of weeks to finalize plans at quarterback, with the expectation that they'll have the plan in place in Indianapolis next week."

Fields recently made waves when he unfollowed the Bears on Instagram, sparking speculation about his future with the team. Despite receiving inquiries about Fields, the Bears haven't actively sought to trade the 2021 first-round pick, as per Breer's report.

While Fields demonstrated promising growth last season, there's consensus that Williams possesses a higher potential ceiling. Additionally, acquiring Williams would afford the Bears the advantage of securing a new franchise quarterback on a team-friendly rookie contract for the next 4-5 years.

Breer's report suggests that the Bears are approaching their final decision swiftly, indicating that resolution is imminent.