What will it cost the Bears to keep Justin Fields?
If you found the $25.6 million price tag for Justin Fields’ fifth-year option on his rookie contract surprising, brace yourself for the projected cost of a long-term extension for the Chicago Bears quarterback.
According to Spotrac’s projection, Fields could command an annual average salary of approximately $47 million in his extension, positioning him as the sixth-highest-paid quarterback in the league. This eye-popping figure would mark a significant pay raise for Fields and make his total contract value reach a staggering $283 million, placing him between Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow in terms of quarterback contract history.
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However, it’s essential to provide context for these figures. For instance, Fields’ projected extension falls behind Trevor Lawrence’s potential contract, indicating the upward trajectory of quarterback salaries in the league.
Nevertheless, the sheer magnitude of the projected deal underscores the potential financial burden it could impose on the Bears if Fields’ development doesn’t meet expectations. This raises questions about the value of resetting the quarterback contract clock with a rookie on a more manageable salary.
Comparatively, estimates for the No. 1 overall pick’s contract suggest a total value of $38,540,872, with a significant signing bonus and relatively modest cap numbers over the first few years. These figures highlight the contrasting financial implications between committing to a rookie quarterback and extending an established player like Fields.
Given the significant financial commitments involved, it’s understandable why some advocate for a clean start at the quarterback position.
