Why Justin Fields' Tenure in Chicago Is Nearing Its Conclusion
"It's disheartening to witness the mistreatment of someone like Justin Fields, who embodied leadership, selflessness, and an unmatched work ethic. Ever since the Chicago Bears drafted Fields, he has been subjected to unfair criticism and underappreciation. Fields undoubtedly deserved a more supportive offensive system and coaching staff. Regrettably, the Bears failed to tap into his full potential. With the Bears holding the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and several other factors at play, it appears that Fields' time as a Bear may be coming to an end.
The Missteps in Justin Fields' JourneyTo begin with, Fields had to adapt to three different offensive coordinators in just three years, all while lacking a strong supporting cast. It's nearly impossible for any quarterback to thrive under such conditions. Despite these challenges, Fields displayed growth, gaining trust in his receivers and maintaining composure when extending plays outside the pocket.
However, Fields' confidence has waned, not necessarily in his on-field abilities, but due to a string of losses and the relentless criticism from the media and fans. Former Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy attempted to mold Fields into the next Aaron Rodgers, emphasizing pocket passing over his natural dual-threat abilities. This approach did not unlock Fields' potential, a fact recognized by others, like Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell, who acknowledged Fields' danger as a quarterback.
Chicago Bears Assemble a High-Profile Offensive Coaching StaffThe recent addition of Passing Game Coordinator Thomas Brown signals the possible end of Fields' tenure as a Bear. Why would top Offensive Coordinators like Shane Waldron and NFL's No. 2 OC, Thomas Brown, choose to join the Bears? The answer lies in their ability to develop and coach consensus No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. It's challenging to believe that Brown, the former Panthers OC, would opt for a downgrade by becoming Chicago's passing game coordinator for Fields, given his struggles in a Bears uniform.
Why General Manager Ryan Poles Might Move On From Justin FieldsRyan Poles did not select Fields in the draft. While he may admire Fields' character and talent, this fact carries weight. General Managers often prefer to build around their own drafted quarterbacks, and the prospect of resetting the quarterback contract with a "generational" blue-chip talent like Williams could be too enticing to pass up. Fields understands the business aspect of the NFL, acknowledging during a press conference after the last game of the season that he gave his all, regardless of whether he remains with the Bears.
Chicago's Decision on the QuarterbackNFL Insider Albert Breer believes that the likelihood of Chicago drafting Williams is "higher than even" at this point. Breer also suggests that the Bears will need to make a swift decision regarding Fields to maximize his trade value, with the Scouting Combine potentially being an ideal time for a trade to materialize. While this could be a smokescreen, all signs seem to point towards Fields departing Chicago via trade this offseason.
What Lies Ahead for Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears?For Fields, a trade to another team seems likely. However, determining his value is tricky. NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. suggests that the Bears could fetch a first-round pick for Fields, while most analysts anticipate a second-round pick and additional day-three picks being sufficient in a trade. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers, who are outside the range for top quarterbacks in this year's draft, are likely to express interest in Fields.
As for the Bears, they have ample resources to properly develop their next quarterback. With $46.88 million in cap space and an additional first-round pick to complement their No. 1 overall selection, the Bears should be able to acquire weapons for their next signal-caller. If this strategy is what Poles and the organization believe will transform the Bears into a winning franchise, then so be it. Regardless of the outcome, Fields deserved a better situation."
| POLL | ||
2 FEVRIER | 48 ANSWERS Why Justin Fields' Tenure in Chicago Is Nearing Its Conclusion Will Justin Fields be the starter next season? | ||
| yes | 27 | 56.3 % |
| No | 21 | 43.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
