The Chicago Bears face a challenging decision regarding the future of quarterback Justin Fields in the upcoming months. With the Carolina Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick secured through the Bryce Young trade and the Panthers holding the league’s worst record at 1-12, the Bears are poised to acquire the first overall pick in the 2024 draft.
According to insights from multiple NFL general managers shared by Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, opinions diverge on the best course of action for the Bears. One AFC GM advocates for selecting USC QB Caleb Williams, citing concerns about Fields’ ability to consistently succeed as a passer despite his physical gifts. This GM views drafting Williams as a clear-cut decision, especially given the apparent hesitation to exercise Fields’ fifth-year option in Year 3.
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“It would be a clear-cut 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 win consistently as a passer, even though he is gifted physically.”
On the other hand, an NFC GM acknowledges reservations about Williams but suggests the Bears draft him to capitalize on rookie deal savings compared to the financial commitment required for Fields. Another AFC team advises the Bears to take Williams, emphasizing the potential risks of repeatedly passing on talented quarterbacks, as seen in their decision to forego C.J. Stroud in the previous draft.
“When you pass on talented quarterbacks to lean into a guy’s development, which the Bears did when they traded No. 1 last year, you have to be completely sure of that decision to do it a second time. They might not have taken C.J. Stroud with the first pick last [offseason], but he was there for them to do it. Caleb Williams is a no-brainer, and if they get the top pick, he’s there for them. Sometimes the gamble is continuing to pass on players. Fields doesn’t get over the hump, you don’t want to be the guys that passed on both Stroud and Caleb Williams.”
An additional perspective from an NFC GM underscores the challenge of being judged or dismissed for not making the previous administration’s draft picks work. In the high-stakes positions of quarterback and head coach, the pressure is amplified, making it difficult when the pieces in place weren’t of your choosing.
“Nobody wants to be judged or fired because they didn’t make the previous guy’s draft picks work. Especially quarterback and head coach — if it’s not working out or it’s lagging, you should get an opportunity at changing it your way. Quarterbacks and head coaches are so much of your culture, so it’s kind of hard when you didn’t put those pieces in place and you’re taking the hits anyway.”
Despite the ongoing speculation, Fields is currently putting together the strongest season of his three-year career. A compelling conclusion to the season could significantly bolster his chances of securing a fourth year in Chicago. As Fields remains on his rookie deal, the Bears will eventually need to decide whether to commit to him long-term or explore alternative options in the draft.
