Why the Chicago Bears have to make a decision on Justin Fields’ future
By Todd Welter
Should Poles have taken a quarterback in the last draft?
If this is about resetting the rookie contract, a good question to ask is why not just reset it last offseason? I mean C.J. Stroud is looking darn good right now.
What has either of Williams/Maye done so much better than Young/Stroud did, to blow Poles away?
— Max (@CowardlyJed) December 19, 2023
That’s really the question.
Poles said they’d have to blow him away, obviously neither guy did last year. So what have either of the draft prospects done to do that this year
Here is the difference, Fields’ potential last offseason was still greater than Bryce Young and Stroud. Plus, the Chicago Bears had a ton of roster holes that trading away the top pick was a necessity to help fill them.
This go around is a little different based on Fields only have one more year left on his rookie deal instead of two. Last offseason did not require a decision on his fifth-year option.
Also, while Williams is undersized like Young, Williams’ build is better suited to the NFL than Young. Young is built like a point guard and longevity is a major concern. You can say the same thing for Fields with all the hits he takes, but Fields’ body is built to sustain more blows.
Replacing Fields with a ton of potential last offseason with another Ohio State quarterback would have been a tough sell last offseason. Moving on from Fields now with more data points for Williams or Maye is easier marketing. Although, North Carolina quarterbacks have negative connotations in these parts after Mitchell Trubisky. Maye at least has more college reps.
The other reason the Chicago Bears need to make a decision is the team lacks a second-round pick in the draft. Poles traded the pick for Montez Sweat. Fields still has value around the league where he could net a second rounder. If Sam Darnold can net three picks, Fields should still have enough value to get a Day Two pick in a trade.
The one thing everyone is missing is a decision on Fields does not need to be made right after the season ends.
The fifth-year option does not have to be exercised until five and half months from now. The draft is not until April 25, 2024.
That gives Poles plenty of time to evaluate all his options and make an educated decision. Also, Poles can trade Fields on the draft’s second day. That is why this decision is dynamic and fluid according to NFL Network’s Stacey Dales.
How are the Bears approaching Justin Fields’ future with the franchise? Report here…@NFLGameDay @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/68qINVTrIZ
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) December 10, 2023
The hope is whatever decision Poles makes; it finally ends this franchise’s nightmare at quarterback.
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