The Chicago Bears have a decision to make this offseason. Armed with the no. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they can bring in a new quarterback and start anew by moving on from Justin Fields. Many believe it’s the likely outcome, with plenty of trade rumors mentioning Fields already.
However, there is one other bold move they can consider: draft a QB and keep Fields.
Why the Chicago Bears Can Keep Justin Fields
The Bears are largely expected to take USC Trojans standout Caleb Williams with the no. 1 pick, making a Fields trade a necessity. After all, who wants their old QB be a hindrance to their new quarterback when they are looking to rebuild?
However, Aaron Schatz of ESPN suggested that it could be a good idea for the Bears to draft Williams and still keep Fields instead of trading him elsewhere.
The Bears have shown some improvements late in the 2023 season with Fields leading the way, so Chicago might want to let the dual-threat quarterback continue to run things while Williams backs him up.
That way, the Bears also have some insurance policy if ever Williams struggles in his first year with Chicago.
At the end of the day, the key point is the Bears could still move Fields if he ends up struggling again in 2024. If he plays well and increases his value, Chicago will only benefit more once they move him.
Here’s Schatz’s explanation on the proposal:
“The Bears might have finished the season 7-10 but they were 11th in weighted DVOA, which gives more strength to recent games and lowers the importance of the early season. In particular, the Bears were eighth in weighted defensive DVOA. This could be the defense of a playoff team, and perhaps they want to go with the known (Fields) instead of the unknown in the hope it makes a playoff appearance more likely.
“If Fields struggles in his fourth season, Williams will be there to come off the bench. If Fields plays well, the Bears can trade him for draft picks after the season. (This would require accepting Fields’ fifth-year option for 2025, but let’s assume they do that as part of this bold move.)
“The Bears could even start Fields for two more years if he’s unexpectedly great in 2024, and then get a compensatory pick when Fields leaves in free agency. No matter the choice, the Bears will eventually get value for Fields. They would just give themselves more options in the short term by having both quarterbacks on the roster.”
It’s definitely an unlikely scenario to see the Bears retain Fields if they draft Williams. After all, they probably don’t want to risk making their new quarterback unhappy.
Nonetheless, there’s definitely some merit for Chicago to keep Fields and see where it goes.
Justin Fields Trade Rumors With Chicago Bears
As mentioned, Justin Fields has been mentioned in a number of trade rumors already. He has been basically linked to all quarterback-needy teams this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly the favorites to trade for him from the Chicago Bears, though the odds of the Atlanta Falcons have also increased in recent days as a result of his social media moves.
While the Bears can keep him, it might be for Fields’ best interest to go elsewhere. He hasn’t really lived up to expectations in his three years so far in Windy City, and a change in scenery might be what he needs.
Our Partners
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud to partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia, including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply.
For More Of My Content
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold. Reach out to me personally at mcquadewarnold@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date, click here! – JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE