Reports indicate that all seven general managers are in unanimous agreement that they would trade Justin Fields.
If you're a proponent of the idea that the Bears should retain Justin Fields, you might want to avert your gaze.
Yahoo! Sports recently conducted interviews with seven anonymous general managers, all centered around one crucial question: Should the Bears keep Fields, or should they explore trading him elsewhere?
Unanimously, the consensus among these general managers was in favor of shipping Fields out of town.
One AFC general manager stated, "It would be a straightforward decision to draft Caleb for me. The fact that we're in Year 3 and they don't want to exercise the fifth-year option tells me what I need to know. I just don't think Fields can consistently win as a passer, even though he is physically gifted."
An NFC general manager weighed in, saying, "[Caleb Williams] concerns me, but he is undoubtedly talented. It simply buys you more time and a much more cost-effective contract to keep adding pieces to build the team."
Another AFC general manager provided a different perspective, emphasizing the significance of making a firm decision when passing on talented quarterbacks. They noted, "When you pass on talented quarterbacks to invest in a player's development, as the Bears did when they traded No. 1 last year, you have to be entirely confident in that decision to do it a second time. If Fields doesn't make significant progress, you don't want to be the ones who missed out on both Stroud and Caleb Williams."
However, it's essential to consider that these anonymous general managers might have ulterior motives in shaping the narrative. Could they be pushing for the Bears to trade Fields while concealing their true intentions? It's worth pondering.
One thing to note is that missing out on quarterbacks like Stroud and Williams would be a monumental setback, assuming the latter realizes his potential in the NFL. Stroud has firmly established himself as a cornerstone quarterback for the Texans, even entering MVP discussions this season.
Bears fans need no reminder of the pain of missing out on a franchise quarterback, as the team passed on Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft when they selected Mitch Trubisky at No. 2.
Another aspect to consider is the likelihood of Ryan Poles, the current general manager, wanting to put his stamp on the quarterback position sooner rather than later. It was Ryan Pace, not Poles, who traded up in the 2021 NFL draft to acquire Fields with the No. 11 pick.
Furthermore, one general manager pointed out the potential eagerness of Poles to have his own quarterback rather than rely on a predecessor's choice. Having Fields as a question mark after three seasons might prompt Poles to seize control.
In the interviews, the general managers who advocated for trading Fields also provided insights into the potential trade packages Fields could command.
Notably, none of them mentioned acquiring a first-round pick in exchange for Fields; they all referenced second-round picks, sometimes accompanied by additional third or fourth-round selections.
Several factors can influence the quality of the trade package Fields might secure. His value could fluctuate based on when the Bears decide to trade him. Waiting closer to the draft might diminish his stock, while an earlier trade might yield a more valuable package.
Additionally, Fields has only one year remaining on his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option on the horizon this offseason. Would a team be willing to take on a quarterback with such a short remaining contract duration? Acquiring Fields would likely involve a substantial financial commitment on his next contract.
Fields has undeniably shown improvement this season, amassing 1,800 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His passer rating has reached a career high, and he has demonstrated better pocket presence while effectively combining his rushing ability with his passing game.
Last season, the Bears prioritized Fields' development over incoming prospects. The trade package they received from the Carolina Panthers was seen as compensation for the opportunity cost of not selecting Stroud and Bryce Young. Will the same narrative play out this offseason, or is it time to change course?
At least seven general managers around the league seem to think it's time for a change.
| POLL | ||
15 DECEMBRE | 50 ANSWERS Reports indicate that all seven general managers are in unanimous agreement that they would trade Justin Fields. Should the bears trade Justin Fields? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 20 % |
| No | 40 | 80 % |
| List of polls | ||
