6 Bears on Thin Ice After Shane Waldron Hiring

2. Justin Fields, quarterback

This is the big one, of course.

With Shane Waldron now in the building, the Chicago Bears have to get to work figuring out what their ultimate plan is at the quarterback position.

General manager Ryan Poles has yet to attach himself to any quarterback of his own choosing, but this offseason will determine whether or not he's effectively chosen Justin Fields as "his guy". Poles has now held the #1 overall pick in two consecutive offseasons. After seeing how substantially CJ Stroud impacted the Houston Texans last year (a QB Poles passed on), it's hard to imagine he will sell off the top pick so someone else can draft Caleb Williams this year.

It's possible, but it doesn't feel likely.

So, that leaves Justin Fields's status very much in limbo. Fields has been a highly debated player through his first three NFL seasons, but he did show progress in 2023. My guess is, the Bears are going to trade Fields to the highest bidder this offseason and move forward with Shane Waldron calling plays for Caleb Williams.