Getty Image / Patrick McDermott
The Chicago Bears have the most interesting decision to make of the NFL offseason, in regard to their quarterback situation.
The Bears have Justin Fields entering his fourth year as a starting quarterback. But, they also have the first-overall-pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, acquired when they traded the first-overall-pick last year to the Carolina Panthers.
Justin Fields has definitely shown flashes of greatness in his first three seasons in Chicago. The 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft can, in theory, punish teams with his excellent running ability and talent as a passer.
But, that has probably not happened enough. Through 40 games, he’s thrown just 40 touchdown passes against 30 interceptions. He has added 2200 yards rushing, including 1143 in 2022. But, the production just hasn’t been consistent enough. The Bears are 10-28 in his starts. That is, obviously, not good.
But, again, he’s 24-years-old, and has incredible upside. They could use that first-overall pick, plus their other first-round pick, the ninth pick, and build around Fields. Or, they could trade out of the first pick, and use those picks to build around Fields. The offense already does have some talent. Imagine if they added, say, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu.
On the other hand, 40 touchdowns in 40 games is not good, at all. No matter what way you slice it, that’s just poor production. And, many consider USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye to be can’t-miss quarterback prospects at the top of this draft. The Bears could select one of them with the first pick, trade Fields for a mid-round pick, and still have the ninth-overall pick to help build around the new quarterback.
As I said, it’s a tough call and a fascinating decision as we head towards the combine, free agency, and the NFL Draft in late April.
But, new comments from Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren seem to be pretty glowing towards Justin Fields.
Here’s more, courtesy of Pro Football Talk.
“I’m a supporter of Justin because I got a chance to work with him when I was Commissioner of the Big Ten conference,” Warren said, via Ryan Taylor of NBC Sports Chicago. “He is incredibly talented. He is smart. He works hard. And he wants to be a great NFL football player. And now he just needs to make sure he has the support around him. He’s working hard. I would love to see him this offseason and make sure he’s totally healthy going into the season next year.”
That sounds a lot like an endorsement of Fields, along with a plan to keep him around.
“Justin has a rare combination of intelligence, of size, of strength and speed,” Warren added. “You forget how big of a man he is until you’re up on him. He’s not a small man. I just think every year he’s going to continually get better. . . . I’m glad he’s [Fields] on the Chicago Bears.”
That does sound like Kevin Warren wants to bring back Justin Fields. But, could it be a ploy to drive up his trade value? Only time will tell.