5 factors to consider about the Chicago Bears keeping Justin Fields
By Todd Welter
![Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0bbc9bece6de0a3a58bafa8495d0a7af8cdd0b3288b45d37b6833b51a5731375.jpg)
Justin Fields continues to pass his weekly tests.
This makes things cut and dry.
Fields grows in the areas he needs to as a passer and the Chicago Bears can go into the offseason knowing he is the guy.
Justin does not have to throw for 400 yards every game. Although, that would be nice. He just has to show he can make plays as a passer just like he has done when he is on the move.
If he can keep checking off the boxes on his list, it gives Poles a huge advantage this offseason especially if the Panthers continue to lose.
Imagine having the No. 1 pick and having Fields firmly entrenched as the starter. Poles could leverage that asset much like he did last offseason.
The Bears still must build out the rest of the roster. Fields’ failure means losing a chance to add more talent to the team because that potential No. 1 overall pick will have to be used on a quarterback.
The consolation prize is if Fields does not check every box, he does just enough to still maintain his trade value. That way if Poles does decide to move on he can leverage Fields for a possible second or third-round pick.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is just too good to risk passing up on.
The Ohio State receiver has the potential to be an impact player on the first day. We are talking about a Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson-type talent.
The belief is to build around Justin Fields by adding Harrison Jr. to give the Chicago Bears something really special.
.@keyshawn says the Bears should keep Justin Fields and draft Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 1: pic.twitter.com/RIU6JaVZaN
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) November 28, 2023
It is easy for Keyshawn Johnson to make that point considering he is the last wide receiver to be selected No. 1 overall.
Quarterbacks are just more valuable to roster construction and team success.
Williams or Maye are going to have just as high of grades as MHJ. That means some team will want to trade up if the Bears are at No. 1. The risk is how far does Poles want to trade back.
The assumption is Harrison Jr. will be very high on the team’s draft board. If Poles trades down as far as he did last offseason, he has no shot at Harrison Jr.