The Chicago Bears best path forward for QB Justin Fields
By Jason Parini
The Chicago Bears have a quarterback conundrum on their hands.
As the Bears get ready for their Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, they do so with a new face starting under center for the first time this regular season: rookie QB Tyson Bagent.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Bagent came into the game on Sunday after starting QB Justin Fields left the game with a hand injury. It was later disclosed that Fields suffered a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand in the Bears’ 19-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Fields, the regular starter and hopeful quarterback of the future for the Chicago Bears does not yet have a timetable to return.
It’s already known to everyone just how important the 2023 season is to the Chicago Bears and Justin Fields. Heading into the season, the main topic was not so much wins and losses but rather the development and progression of Justin Fields.
Regardless of the W-L record, it’s pivotal that the Bears see significant growth from Fields and the offense. Heading into his second full season, and third overall as a starter, it’s time for the franchise QB to make huge strides and move toward becoming an elite QB.
Justin Fields needs to show significant progress in 2023 or risk losing his spot as the Bears’ starter
The end of the 2023 season awaits a massive decision: do the Bears pick up the fifth-year option for Justin Fields or not?
Of course, that issue goes away if the Bears opt to trade Fields before the October 31 trade deadline, though it’s quite unlikely, especially after Fields’s injury.
There are many paths forward for the Bears at this point in time. Do they trade Fields? Does Bagent become a full-time starter? Do they get a draft pick high enough that they can draft USC’s Caleb Williams with their pick or the Panthers pick?
Many of these won’t be determined until later or at the end of the season, but fortunately, the Bears have one path forward that is largely within reach. Let’s break down how that plan would unfold.