RUMOR: Chicago Bears' Strategy for Justin Fields and the Quarterback Position Before the 2024 NFL Draft Has Surfaced Online
The 2024 NFL Draft order is beginning to take form, with the Chicago Bears at the forefront of discussions.
Initial predictions suggested that the Bears would trade Justin Fields during the offseason and opt for a top quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, recent developments indicate a potential change in direction.
Chicago currently holds the No. 1 pick via Carolina, positioning them to select from a pool of talented quarterbacks expected to be available. Nonetheless, a new rumor suggests that the team is leaning toward retaining Justin Fields and continuing to build around him. The report proposes that by acquiring a coach like Mike McDaniel and a wide receiver like Tyreek Hill, Fields can unleash his true potential, similar to what happened with Tua Tagovailoa.
As Brad Biggs evaluates the situation, he observes, "That's where it appears to be headed as I evaluate the situation." He emphasizes that Fields still has five games left in the season to alter the course. The evaluation at Halas Hall will consider the entire season's performance, not just recent sentiments.
General manager Ryan Poles previously chose not to draft quarterbacks like Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, or Anthony Richardson, all of whom are now considered potential franchise-changing players. The deal Poles struck instead resulted in acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore and what seems to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft from the Carolina Panthers.
Poles faces a critical decision this offseason, and passing on talents like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye could have long-term repercussions if Fields fails to develop as expected. The opportunity to pick No. 1 in the Draft for two consecutive years is rare, offering the Bears a chance to rectify their past decisions.
Following Week 13's action, the Bears hold a 72 percent chance of securing the No. 1 pick via Carolina. Currently, they would have both the No. 1 and No. 5 picks in the 2024 draft, providing them with two valuable assets to reshape the franchise.
Justin Fields, selected as the No. 11 pick in 2021, hasn't progressed as a passer as initially anticipated in 2023. Nevertheless, he possesses a strong arm and is currently one of the most dynamic rushing quarterbacks in the NFL.
The final five games of the season will significantly influence the choices Ryan Poles makes during the offseason.
| POLL | ||
6 DECEMBRE | 98 ANSWERS RUMOR: Chicago Bears' Strategy for Justin Fields and the Quarterback Position Before the 2024 NFL Draft Has Surfaced Online Who would you rather have? | ||
| Marvin Harrison jr. | 86 | 87.8 % |
| Caleb Williams | 12 | 12.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
