The Chicago Bears are widely believed to be prepared to move on from quarterback Justin Fields and select USC’s Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft. A first round pick in 2021, Fields was thrust into the starting role in Chicago far too early. In his rookie season, the Ohio State product started 10 games, completed just 58.9% of his passes for 1,870 yards, had seven touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions.
The Chicago Bears Did Not See the Improvement They Expected from Justin Fields
Fields was better in his second season, but the Bears, as a team, were worse, finishing 3-13 in 2022. Fields, though, showed signs of improvement, completing 60.4% of his passes for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,143 yards and eight more scores. When Chicago traded the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for DJ Moore and the Carolina Panthers’ 2024 first round pick (which happens to be number one overall as well), the belief was a bonified number one wide receiver would help bring Fields along.
That, however, was not the case. While Fields had career highs completion percentage, passing yards, and passer rating, they were miniscule improvements. In other words, he has not developed the way the Bears envisioned he would.
And so, with the opportunity to take the quarterback that many are calling a generational talent in Williams, Chicago is looking to cut their losses with Fields.
Justin Fields Does Not Want to Leave the Chicago Bears
Appearing on a podcast Equanimeous St. Brown and his brother, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Fields was asked if he wants to stay in Chicago despite all the trade speculation. He responded:
“I can’t see myself playing in another place”
If it was Justin Fields’ decision, he’d never leave Chicago 🐻 https://t.co/uA6hxbmdpl pic.twitter.com/r0gheezF4G
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 21, 2024
“Yeah, of course. Of course I want to stay. I can’t see myself playing in another place. If it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago.
“I love the city. The city’s lit. The fans, they’re, you know, they’re great. And the people are amazing.
“I get it, it’s a business and I don’t got no control over it, so whatever happens, happens.”
Fields went on to say that the biggest thing he wants is for this whole thing to be over. Trade or no trade; he just wants an answer.
Is It Time for the Chicago Bears to Move on From Justin Fields?
As raw of a deal that Fields may have gotten in Chicago (poor coaching, poor offensive line play, very few decent wide receivers), it is hard to see the future of the franchise brighter with him than it could be with Caleb Williams.
There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams outside of the top-10 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. Some of them have already expressed interest in Fields. The Bears could, in theory, swap Fields for another first round pick or a second and third round pick, depending on the positioning.
If there was ever a time for the Bears to build a sure foundation on which to build a perennial winner, it is now. Fields, unfortunately, should not be part of it.
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