Draft Insider Blasts Idea Of The Bears Trading Justin Fields
The NFL off-season is an uncontrollable beast. Rumors are going to fly regardless of how much validity they have or not. That became inevitable once the Chicago Bears clinched the #1 overall pick. Immediately people began speculating what GM Ryan Poles might do with it. Among the most controversial ideas is the possibility of trading Justin Fields and using the pick to select a new quarterback. More than a few media members are behind the idea, including former executives like Mike Tannenbaum and Joe Banner.
Others think the notion is ridiculous. Yes, Fields didn’t have the most stellar passing performance in 2022. He only crossed 200 yards twice. However, his efficiency was considerably better from his rookie year. He also had to navigate the season with probably the worst supporting cast in the league. His offensive line was underpowered and injured, while his receiving corps lacked playmakers. One also mustn’t discount the fact he was the most dangerous running quarterback in the league. It isn’t so crazy to think he can get better next season with a better supporting cast.
ESPN draft insider Matt Miller believes the Bears would be foolish to move on from Fields right now, especially for any of the prospects in this upcoming draft class.
This feels like how things will play out for Justin Fields.
Poles expressed confidence in his young quarterback. He made it clear the plan going forward is for Fields to be the starter in 2023. The only way that changes is if he’s “absolutely blown away” by somebody in the draft. From the way Miller spoke, that isn’t likely to happen. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis are all good prospects. All will likely be top 10 picks. However, none of them have the ceiling Fields does. He’s still only 23 years old and has two seasons of experience under his belt. The much more sensible option for the Bears is to use their significant resources to build around him.
Then they should get a proper evaluation of him in 2023. The Bears will know they have their guy if he continues to ascend. If he stagnates or regresses, the team will have a much stronger foundation in place to go after a new quarterback in 2024. Yes, they have a unique opportunity to get any quarterback they want in this draft. Still, that doesn’t mean much if those quarterbacks lack the same ceiling as Justin Fields. He did enough this past year to justify more time.