The Chicago Bears face one of two directions at quarterback in 2024. Either they will stay the course with Justin Fields, holding to keep retooling the roster around him in hopes of a breakthrough next year, or they will reset with what will likely be the #1 overall pick. Pretty straightforward. Of course, nothing about the decision is easy. Both sides of the argument have a strong case. Fields has shown some improvement in key areas compared to last year. On the flip side, those improvements haven’t been significant enough to justify passing on a quarterback with the top pick for the second straight year.
There is one problem that hasn’t been discussed enough. Expectations will be high in 2024. Fans believe this team is reaching a point where they should start competing for the playoffs next year. The issue is that neither of their QB scenarios guarantees much. Fields is 9-27 in his career, though he has won three of his last four. Conversely, it is rare for a team starting a rookie quarterback to make the playoffs. Poles may wish to find a way to get his desired long-term option at QB in place while also giving the Bears a good chance to make the playoffs.
Such an idea would likely involve a bridge quarterback. A veteran with a solid track record might be able to step in for a season, allowing a rookie time to sit and learn. Albert Breer of The MMQB brought up one name on The Herd that could be a real possibility.
Most people will scream no. The guy is washed up. It is pointless to overpay for a has-been. That is understandable but not entirely fair. It appears the Denver Broncos plan to cut Wilson next March, wanting to escape his massive contract. While he hasn’t lived up to that deal, nobody can say he’s been bad this season. He has over 3,000 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. He also has over 300 yards rushing with three more touchdowns. The 35-year-old is not the primary issue with that Broncos team. Their defense is terrible, and the offensive supporting cast is mediocre.
To his credit, Wilson has remained professional even as the Broncos have worked to smear his name over the past week. There is no question he brings a lot of baggage to the table, but perhaps the Chicago Bears can justify dealing with it for a year if they can get something similar to what he’s produced this season. That, along with their ascending defense, would be good enough to make the playoffs. The question is whether Wilson would accept such a setup. He may still think he can be a legitimate starter for somebody, not a bridge option.
How the market unfolds will tell that story.
