Considering the presence of Justin Fields, there’s been some speculation that the Bears could look to move the first-overall pick to a quarterback-needy squad. While the organization isn’t completely shutting the door on a trade, it sounds like it would take a massive haul to pry the pick from Chicago.
[RELATED: Latest On Bears’ Quarterback Decision]
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears would require a “historic haul” if they were to consider moving the No. 1 pick. One source told Rapoport that the offer would need to be “crazy,” and the compensation would presumably need to be too good to refuse.
While it’s seeming increasingly likely that the Bears would select USC’s Caleb Williams first-overall and trade their former first-round QB, there was some merit to the opposite route. As Rapoport notes, many within the organization support Fields, and the Bears have been especially pleased with the QB’s development over the past year (one source described Fields’ makeup as “rare”).
Further, the Bears certainly aren’t strangers to trading the top-overall pick. They did so last year in a trade with the Panthers that netted them this year’s first-overall selection. The Bears could theoretically keep adding to their collection of future draft picks, and those rookie salaries would be especially useful as the team navigates a potential Fields extension.
Of course, it’s that contract that will likely play a role in Chicago favoring a rookie QB. Assuming the organization picks up Fields’ fifth-year option, they’d still have their young QB on an affordable salary through the 2025 season. Then, Fields could command one of the most lucrative contracts in the NFL, a deal that might not be palatable for a squad that doesn’t seem all that close to contention.
Further, the Bears aren’t in desperate need of high draft picks following last year’s trade. They’re already armed with both the No. 1 pick and the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft, and they would surely add some draft compensation if they decide to move on from Fields (although the QB isn’t expected to fetch a first-round pick).
General manager Ryan Poles was asked about his tough decision last month. The executive was naturally noncommittal regarding any specific direction, although he did go out of his way to praise Fields.
“We are going to turn every stone to make sure that we are going to make a sound decision for our organization,” Poles said (via Rapoport). “I did think Justin got better. I think he can lead this team. But at the same time, there is a unique situation.”
So what would a historic haul look like? The first-overall pick has been dealt 13 times since 1967, and the last two trades (Bears/Panthers in 2023 that saw Bryce Young go to Carolina and Titans/Rams in 2016 that saw Jared Goff go to Los Angeles) involved at least two first-round picks and two second-round picks in compensation. If a potential suitor doesn’t have any additional first-round selections besides their own, they’d be allowed to trade up to four first-round picks during the actual draft (their current selection plus three future picks).
I, personally, think Fields has shown potential and has a great skill set. He could really benefit from a system that better highlights his skills. Also, why would an extension be expected to be so lucrative (as suggested in the article)?! Seems like it should be a pretty moderate QB contact, given his lack of success. So, if the Bears believe in him, trading that #1 pick could make a ton of sense. They’d have the potential to add a ton of cheap talent around him for the foreseeable future. Also, I don’t think C. Williams is the answer. So there’s that.
I agree. It makes more sense to keep the picks they can add young talent around him. WR OT etc. If he doesn’t develop they will have another low pick next year. If he does grow and improves for higher salary they would be winning more so worh it. They have a known qb now and potential. No guarantee in another pick.
It would be a lucrative contract if he improves next year and then even more the year after. Which if you are keeping him is what you hope will happen to prove you made the right decision passing on Williams. Personally I do not think Williams is all that special either and would keep Fields and get more picks. Or trade down and trade Fields and sign a veteran that can be successful with all the talent you’d be able to put around them with all the extra picks.
Fields is a special runner but not a special passer. Williams may or may not be the answer (I think he is) but you know Fields isn’t either. Everybody wants more picks but you’ve gotta hit on those picks. Who knows how the draft is going to turn out down the road. You very likely aren’t going to get another chance to draft this high nor draft this good of a quarterback prospect again.
You do not know that the Bears will not have this opportunity again, especially if they trade their pick to another team that looks miserable like the Panthers did this past year. Heck multiple 1st rounders, regardless of where they are at, tends to get you to a place to get the QB you want. Never mind that just because you have the 1st overall does not guarantee you anything, other than losing ones job if you get it wrong. You also just answered you own gripe in that you have to hit on the picks, so more is better, not less. The Bears have a TON of holes still where they need impactful players, and their draft this season devoid of a lot of picks, so they also need to think about this draft, namely the second round. If they can get a 2nd rounder this season and a 1st rounder next (and likely more after those two ‘needs’), you jump at the chance.
It isn’t much of a gripe if it’s the obvious thing to do. Trading out of the 1st pick and passing up on Stroud and Williams (he will be good) will get a GM fired. I’m curious to know the reasoning as to why anybody watching football would think Fields is a good quarterback.
Agreed. He is not a good QB. The Bears keep saying he is because they want another team to trade them something of value for him, but I would not want Fields over any of the top QBs coming out this year, including Pennix.
How can you be so sure Williams will be good? Everything with him is projection right now. He’s projected to be a “generational” type of QB, but history has shown us that a lot of QBs fall short of potential.
I can tell you exactly why I’d trade the pick and keep Fields though: I know what I have. His teammates love him, he’s shown growth- and I know his strengths and weaknesses already. Certainty has value. Plus I’m probably picking up 3 more additional 1st round selections in the trade. That’s a lot of cheap young talent to bolster the roster.
Also, if you trade Fields and he flourishes elsewhere, that can just as easily be a move that gets you fired, especially if Williams struggles.
It isn’t that people think Williams is a sure thing (some might), but not me. It’s that I think you are right. “I know what I have” in Fields. It isn’t good. I might even trade back to two or three and take one of the other QBs and a haul of picks if I think that the separation between Williams and the rest of the field is not that big of a gap. I would not enter another year with Fields as my QB if I had the last pick in the first round. Why? Because “I know what I have” in Fields.
You are spot on. Bryce Young was a can’t-miss #1 pick super talent that gave the Bears a haul last year and the top pick this year cuz he wasn’t any good and smart-guy Poles took away their top WR in the trade. And he’ll pick Washington’s pockets this year.
Why would Washington give up anything to move up to #1? They have the 2nd pick and there are many that think Maye is better than Williams. I think they’ll be happy to stay at #2 and hold on to their draft picks
I’ve seen several rumors, among the 50,000 now living on the innernut, that say the dedskins are willing to pay whatever it takes to get the hometown kid to work with Kingsbury. Several teams want Williams badly so a huge bidding war may ensue. Let’s hope so!
Williams has the potential to be much better than Fields and really can’t be much worse, unless your offense requires the QB to put up more rushing yards than your RBs. Williams is also much cheaper that Fields. Certainly cheaper than $20 million+ Fields will likely get on his next contract. Draft Wlliams, or Maye, and use all that cap space to build around them.
Williams would definitely be cheaper than Fields, but I think we need to take a bigger picture view. I’m not sure Fields would get more than 30m a year; and if you’re drafting Williams #1, he’s going to command the biggest rookie salary. So you may have about 20m to work with, which yes, does get you an impact FA at almost any position but QB.
However, if you trade the pick, and net 2-3 firsts for it, you’re adding 2-3 players, plus Fields- which could fill 4 positions instead of just two.
Couldn’t you do all of that by trading back one spot, taking a young non-Williams QB and then trading Fields for whatever you can get. Then you have all the extra picks, a new QB on a rookie deal, and you have moved on from Fields too. That is the best movie in my opinion.
You absolutely could, I just wouldn’t do it. I think Marvin Harrison Jr. should be the selection. If not him, I would go OL. In my opinion, the best way to go is to build the offense up around Fields more. I put a lot of stock in what his teammates are saying, and those guys are going to bat for the guy.
But doesn’t a three-year hindered Fields have the potential to be greater than the alleged immature Williams? CW’s backup played as well for USC in this year’s bowl game as Williams ever did. The reality is we don’t know the ceiling of either. Will Fields reach incredible heights with a competent offense and OC or will he stay average? Will CW grow up and become a quality leader or will he be Jeff George? It sure will be an interesting story, won’t it?
Nothing is for sure in life…especially pro sports number 1 picks
@chris – Fields isn’t the QB that will get a team the ring. If the Bears are smart, they keep the pick, draft Williams, and move fields for more picks. They have an opportunity to build, lower the cost via rookies, and fill in any needs through FA if they haven’t through the draft. There’s no guarantee Williams will be worthy of the pick, but we have enough historical data to suggest Fields isn’t.
If you trade the #1 pick to a QB-needy team you will almost for certain get a great pick next year as the trade partner will be breaking in a rookie QB. Just like Carolina and Bryce Young. And if CW is not a good team guy, as some rumors insist, you’ve got an even better chance of another top 5 pick next year. The sad-sack Commanders want hometown kid Williams bad. They’ve already unloaded two very good DEs – who’s next? And a new coaching staff for them to adjust to tells me there’s a top 3 pick next year coming back in that trade, plus a ton more. Odunze, Alt or Fashanu, DJ Nix and a solid starter plus this year’s #2 and next year’s #1 and #2 would be a killer draft for the 2025 playoff-bound Bears!
Nobody pays a huge haul to trade from #2 to #1 overall. Carolina paid a huge haul because they traded up from 8. They weren’t going to get Young or Stroud at 8. Carolina also thought they were a top QB away from competing. Washington, knows they are rebuilding and will not give up all their draft capital to get Williams over Maye. Most likely a 2025 #2, best case a 2024 #2.
Lastly, there is no guarantee that the team you trade with will fail again like Carolina. Remember that Houston picked a QB and they aren’t drafting anywhere near the top of the draft.
Overall #1 pick should be organization altering choice n u don’t get that bite of the apple very often. Fields is great athlete w/special skill set but as a passer he’s notch above Tim Tebow. Bears need 2do their homework n find franchise QB this draft. Could probably deal Field’s 2Raiders, 1 of the QB needy teams, what’s the return 3rd rounder ?
Potential after three years as a starter doesn’t cut it. The problem with Fields is his inconsistency throwing the ball. He’s a world class athlete with mediocre arm talent. He ranked 23rd in QB rating among starting quarterbacks in ‘23. He hasn’t shown an ability to read defenses and call audibles at the line of scrimmage. His throwing motion is to slow, so he avoids throwing into tight coverages. That’s not somebody you give $40M+ to a year on a long term contract. The Bears must move on because this QB class is deep in talent.
With only a good TE and WR to offset Getsy’s terrible playcalling and a weak OL. Despite this and a year of Nagy, Justin is improving and could be really good with more talent and a worthwhile OC. Steve Young, Testaverde, Mayfield and lots of QBs didn’t put it together until year 3 or later. When you’ve got WRs like Pringle, St. Brown, V. Jones, Pettis, Claypool and Kneal Harry to drop your passes, ya gotta give Fields a fighting chance to succeed.
Dropped passes is not his issue. Indecision is his issue and that’s on him. There is absolutely no reason for a highly mobile QB to lead the league in sacks if he’s remotely aware of what is going on around him. The typical problem with QBs that can run on teams with a ‘bad’ O line, is they don’t give time for plays to develop and run too quickly to avoid a sack. Fields has plenty of time it just takes him forever to go thru his progressions because he’s looking for separation that doesn’t exist in the NFL.
Matt Stafford went thru far worse in his career with the Lions, especially under Patricia. Yet he still put up impressive numbers while running for his life. Stafford also leads all active QBs in Game Winning drives and Comebacks and is top 10 all time. He has 3-4 a year and had 8 of each in 2016. That is because Stafford was always playing from behind, thanks to the defense spotting the opposition a couple of of TDs, and he drove his team to win.
Fields has grand total of 3 game winning drives, 2 of which were 4th quarter comebacks. Thru his first 40 games, Stafford had 8 GWD, 7 of which were 4th quarter. With the exception of the 2011 team, all of those Lions teams were as bad or worse than the Bears.
Fields had to suffer through a godawful 2022, that Stafford could not have had in his worst nightmare. Fields had an inept OL, OC, no receiver to throw to, and when he did have good games, the defense gave away the lead, typically on the next position. People who count ’22 as a reason for Fields not being good are just willfully ignorant. Really this was Fields 1st complete year and he did well, he obviously has to improve, but with the right OC, and weapons he has every opportunity to be good, where Williams has the bigger opportunity to be a bust or not worthy of picking him first.
1st overall Qbs turn around teams less often than you’d think.
You need to take multiple high picks towards the OL, DL, or secondary to really improve. And also have a coaching staff that knows how to develop these players.
When was the last 4th year QB (which Fields will be next season), who ranked 39th out of 40 in 4th Qtr QBR, who turned around any team? I can’t think of one. Yes, Fields is athletically gifted, but STILL has major issues with among other things, just getting rid of the ball. There’s nothing about this that suggests that after 3 full seasons, he’s suddenly going to what, become a Super Bowl level QB? The Bears have been drafting and signing FAs for decades and it always ends up being not much more than slapping lipstick on a pig. And they never get the QB right…
True, there’s no guarantee that Williams or any of these other guys will be “franchise’ altering, but would you say that to the Texans after betting their future on Stroud? If the Bears want to take a major step forward, it’s going to involve some well thought out risk. I’m thinking that means drafting a QB at #1.
We get your blind, tunnel vision, hatred for Fields, but, if not for a few games where the Defense failed to do their jobs (Sorry, I missed what position Fields plays on the Defense) and Mooney does drop a ball in his lap (literally), the Bears are likely in the playoffs this past season. Yes, Fields has issues still, mainly he needs to learn to trust his arm and his receivers, but with the right OC and the right personnel on the field, those should be fixable. NO guarantee that the 1st overall fixed this.. NONE. BUT its guaranteed if one misses on this pick you se the team back years and likely we see another GM and Coaching staff, and another rebuild, in Chicago (but hey you can sit here on crap on the next QB that couldn’t miss that did).
I guess if noting that Fields is not a good NFL QB after three seasons is “blind tunnel-vision hatred for Fields” then we have an epidemic on our hands. His career arc seems to mirror Daniel Jones.
It’s not hatred or blind tunnel vision at all. I’m curious to know what you and alot of other people see in Fields that makes him that good? The knocks on him coming into the league are the same ones he still has. Great athleticism, big arm, holds onto the ball too long and can’t read defenses.
That’s the problem, the Fields fan boys can’t say good things about him, they just get angry when anyone says bad things about him. They blame everyone else for Fields problems. “It’s the system, it’s the OC, the OL is bad, it’s the HC, it’s the D, he needs more WRs and another TE”… blah blah blah
When you’re possibly the best running QB in NFL history, improving the throwing side to modestly above average makes him a near-great QB. How can you call a lead-footed QB like say Rodgers great when he throws for 300 a game and runs for zero while Fields throws for 225 and runs for 75 and he’s not great? A good OC and a 2nd WR would make that very likely.
Because you have a number of other players, RBs, FBs, TEs, and even WRs that can run the ball. Only the QB throws the ball, aside from the occasional trick play. The success of an offense is based on deceiving the defense so they can’t simply play a run or pass defense. The advantage of a good QB that can run is being able to send 4 WRs wide and then have your QB run down the open middle of the field because the defense is defending pass. When your QB can’t throw, the defense will simply play man and blitz him knowing he can’t get the ball out before they get to him. They didn’t do that against Rogers because they knew he’d find the open WR with a big play.
A QB needs to be able to pass effectively. It is their primary and typically only job. Running ability is a bonus, only when the passing ability exists.
The clowns who think fields is good also thought kaepernick was good. Get over it, they are bad and everyone knows it. Gifted athletes who suck at playing.
Most of the same goofballs who think drump is great also think Kaep stunk, despite number that say he was pretty good until the rest of the team bottomed out.
Nerd.. Apparently your “blind love” for Fields prevented you from actually reading my comment before having your stroke in installments.Next time, think before spewing.
Drew Brees.
Fair enough. That makes one.
Look Fields ” Weakness” Isn’t his arm, Or his talent. His 2 biggest weaknesses are that he’s horrible at reading defenses and he hasn’t had a lot of talent around him. They need to trade down to get more assets it’s just that simple. A DC who uses multiple looks like Flores did against him will always make him look bad. His OL has been suspect at best and his WR’s have been less than impressive. Moore and Kmet are improvements but they need other guys. Now what you have to ask yourself is what is the problem with Fields being able to read defenses? Is it the horrible OC’s he’s had? Nagy and Getsy totally failed him. Is Waldron any better? Is the problem simply not teachable? Look if you want to you can still trade down and and get anther QB, Williams is by far the only QB in this class who’s capable with the right OC and talent. Keeping this pick won’t get them the talent they need around ANYBODY. Nobody will ever be as popular in Chicago as the NEXT great QB.
That was supposed to say Williams is by far NOT the only QB capable.
Mike.. No one can say for sure if it was coaching, lack of an O-line or Fields himself that has kept him from taking the next step. But this is a pivotal moment for a franchise that NEVER gets the QB position right. I know Fields has had a couple of different systems but that is no excuse for his continuing inability to get rid of the ball! And can you blame coaching and the O-line for a 4th qtr QBR rating that puts him 39th out of 40 qualified QBs? He’s just not the guy to take them to a Super Bowl.
Rondon- Nobody can say with any certainty why none of that has happened. There are too many variables to make an accurate decision. You have to give any QB the tools to succeed. If you give a carpenter a hammer and a file and tell him to make you a set of kitchen cabinets is it his fault if he fails? And like I’ve said many times there is absolutely nothing wrong with bringing in another QB either in this draft or by trade. But what if I’m right? And you waste that pick, Draft Williams and you find out he has the same problems Fields has? Then what? And do you really think Williams is going to walk in here with no help and be Stroud? Or will he be more like Richardson and Young and Wilson and Trey Lance and suck? If the Bears sign JJ and Hunter they have no FA money left. So now you have not enough FA money to get the job done and not enough picks either. Because I don’t care what you say, If you draft Williams, Then #9 a 3rd ,2 4ths and a fifth get you nowhere, But back to 2023.
If the talent around Fields is the problem, why did Tyson Bagent go 2-2 with a higher completion rate, a much higher success rate, higher QBR, and a sack rate 1/3 of Fields?
If the talent surrounding Fields was the issue, Bagent would have failed miserably. Instead, a solid game manager won more games in is 4 game stretch than Fields did in his first 6 games of the season.
How much more does Fields need? Just give him an all pro offense?? Nagy just got done winning a SB. Getsy gave him a top tier running game. You’re right, he can’t read a D. All the help in the world won’t solve that. Enough excuses.
In Drew Brees’ 4th year, 3rd season, he had a QB Rating of 104.8 for the season, 65.5% completion rate, and threw for over 3,000 yards. He was the AP Comeback player for the year after a poor 2nd season. Brees was a very good QB at SD, they just like Rivers better and let him go. Steve Young is a better example, but Tampa only gave him 1 season before bailing on him.
We literally just saw one last year in Stroud…
Houston has a terrible roster without him. Their coaching staff & Stroud squeezed every possible ounce of juice out of that mediocre team.
Houston’s roster is better than people think. They have a franchise left tackle, decent running backs, a vastly underrated WR in Collins who could possibly be the best RAC receiver in the league already (just for one season, at least, which could bottom out), and a good TE. The Bears surprisingly have a few of those, at least lesser versions, in Kmet, Moore, and Jones. None, barring Moore, are at the level of Houston’s Collins-Schultz-Tunsil trio, but the argument exists that they could end up there shortly.
However, Houston has one major advantage that Chicago does not, and that is on defense. The Texans are still incomplete there, namely along the front seven. Both Houston and Chicago allowed about the same amount yardage wise, but the Texans allowed 36 TDs to the Bears’ whopping 44. Of those 44, 31 came in pass defense for Chicago, as opposed to Houston’s 17. That’s a huge split. Chicago’s run defense, though? Pretty good. One of the best in the league, in fact. The problem is the huge plays passing. Houston’s run defense isn’t near Chicago’s, but they’re much more capable overall scoring wise, and they have the advantage of playing in a relatively low profile AFC South-at least this year. Their turnaround has a lot to do with hitting on Stroud, but there were a lot of other factors, too: the right HC, perfect job by the coordinator, bad division. Houston’s O-line was actually not bad this year overall, and much more stable than Chicago’s combination wise, which is another factor in their success.
Remember that Houston also spent a while collecting picks and building its own roster to host the right quarterback, which is the strategy suggested here. They did for a few years under Caserio what’s being suggested that Poles do now, which is to simply “exist” with a mediocre QB on the cheap while you build your roster. I can arguments for both strategies for Chicago, and they have the luxury (or curse) of having many possible solutions. Fields isn’t the guy, I think most of us agree. The question is whether he can be the guy, again, for another year while the team gets three or so other guys instead of one, albeit with that one at the most important position.
Fields is more of an athlete than an actual QB Bears need to move on, but if your a packers fan your guaranteed crappy QB play from then bears so they should keep him so the packers can keep owning the bears
what I’ve seen is he’s a runner a good runer but u take that away he’s not good . we all know that his game is running first passing second. even if u think it’s backwards running is apart of him and u take that away from him and u have Dante Culpeper.
he’s already been hurt multiple times. it’s only gonna get worse. he’s not that answer. perhaps in a better system might be a borderline starter or on a team in desperate need a of a QB. but he needs time the NFL can’t give to be a decent starer . so he will backup for a while and get another shot. but without his legs it’s gonna be harder so he has to adjust now to not run as much .
I see him as a borderline starter. and like I said he’s been injured plenty so far and running is a huge part of him and take that away I think he will be like Dante Culpeper.
my opinion
This all comes down to what you consider the drop off is from Williams to Daniels and Maye. The Bears are under no pressure to trade Field’s and could presumably drop down a spot and take Daniel’s while still netting their 2nd rounder back and Washington’s #1 next year. Let Daniels come in to camp and compete and if Fields beats him out let him develop. You give Fields his 5th year or trade him prior to the season if Daniels is ready to go.
I like Fields, but if they let him go I don’t know what team besides ATL may take the chance on him as a starter. A lot of the good teams may like to work with him as a back up.
imagine Fields with Moore and Harrison Jr next year
That’s just it. Fields has had no real weapons, a mediocre at best O-line and RB room and inept coordinators.
I’m curious to see what he does with a legit OC and upgrades in the WR room and on the line. Chicago has a ton of cap space and very few holes on the defensive side.
I’m not convinced Fields isn’t the guy.
Yeah, I think most fans real past time is crapping on the existing QB the Bears have and pining for some phantom amazing QB out there that if they do get here, its no different.
Fields needs work still;He needs to trust his arm and receivers, but many QB still have work to do at this time.
These ‘fans’ love to point to stats (which never tell the whole story) instead of watching the games.
Really compare Jordan Love: A guy who had a HoF QB to listen to for a few seasons and a darn good OC as his head coach. What did Fields have in that time? Reid’s ‘special little guy’ one season, and a guy who was calling back to back to back screen plays in the next two.
Lets look at the Personnel on both teams.. not even CLOSE in comparison.
I cannot believe people count 2022 as a ‘development’ year for Fields, unless you mean developing lumps as it was him essentially as the offense.
GB line kept Love clean and gave him insane amounts of time to find an open receiver. (and GB receivers have been drilled to scramble when their routes are over, where Bears receivers stand in one spot and hold up their hands, even when covered).
I would compare Mahomes, but like Love Mahomes fell into the most optimal team you could as a rookie QB.
Your false equivalencies are glaring. Love isn’t a good quarterback. His play didn’t develop at all last season, packers receivers just started catching the wide open passes. Mahomes didn’t even play as a rookie, and the chiefs were far from an optimal team, in fact they sucked big time before he arrived. Blaming receivers standing there with their arms up is as nonsensical as it gets. You are using a couple of plays as an example to represent an entire season, when that’s simply not the case and those of use who actually watch football know this. Fields is just another running back pretending to be a quarterback, just like the so called MVP… another sad joke.
Make sure your emotional support animal is close when Poles trades Fields.
If the Bears trade Fields, they trade him, I do not own or manage the team. However, you should get your support animal ready when you get your wish, the Bears get a new QB, take a lot of ‘hopes’ into FA and the rest of the draft, and see a guy like Williams fall flat on his face and not live up to his expectations as that is more likely to happen than if the Bears just keep Fields and continue to build around him and make the D better. It sounds like you would like that though as you could continue to whine about how your perfect QB has not emerged.
These are the things that MUST happen in this draft and FA season:
1. The #1 pick must be traded down. There can be no question.
2. They need to get at least 1 #2 pick back. Should be no problem.
3. Their 1st pick should either be an OT, WR,or QB. I don’t care which.
4. That OT has to be able to play G for at least 1 year. In 2025 they have a 1st and 2 2nd’s. They can draft a G then or even 2 if they want.
5. The 9 pick has to be a WR, or OT depending on how it goes with 1. or maybe even traded down a couple of spots.
6. Bears need to make a serious pitch for Danielle Hunter. He’s a must get for the defense.
7. Depending on what they do with JJ, They can trade him IMO. I can say he might not be worth the money and in FA I might rather have the money than the player at this point. They got a 2nd and 5th for Roquan Smith. I would take that return and save 20 million.
8. Fields has never had any competition. NONE. They need to bring at least somebody in here who can MAKE him improve. There’s no reason the Bears can’t have Fields and a high rookie pick this year. Let them fight it out.
9. The OL has to be upgraded in the middle. Davis stinks. The C’s stunk. Once again we have no idea if Kramer can play or not. Great decision on letting him sit at the end so it’s still a mystery. Congrats Eberflus. We don’t even know if he can be a B/U at this point.
10. Don’t sign any of these overpriced , Bad WR’s they keep talking about. Evans, Marquise Brown are expensive walking injuries save your money. They have the assets to get more WR talent next year.
11. Be aggressive, But don’t panic. Keep building brick by brick.
Amen, brother.
That’s what I’m hoping for, just on the patriots. If they could trade for Fields and draft Harrison Jr at 3.
Face it fields isn’t worth more than a fourth round pick. A lot of stupid articles saying they will a first round pick are a joke. Fields is one concussion away from retirement!
I don’t think Fields or Williams are the answer.
Bears have historically been bad at drafting and developing QBs. Grossman, Fields, Trubinsky.
I’d trade the pick and trade Fields and look for a proven passer. Use the the picks from trading out from #1 overall and Fields to build up the roster.
Definitely think Bears need to walk away with 1 of Harrison Jr or Nabers and one of the LTs in the 1st round. And fill out the roster with guys on rookie deals. Find a pass rush partner for Montez Sweat.
Team has a lot of holes at many key positions. Makes more sense to pay for a proven QB to lead a young team doing your best to fill your needs than continue to throw rookie QBs back there with holes at OL and WR.
No and no…Bears already went down this route. Jay Cutler, Rick Meier, Jim Miller to name a few. The Bears haven’t gotten it right at quarterback because of incompetence and mis-evaluation. They’ve simply haven’t drafted the right players.
Bears actually were decent under Cutler
First couple years there he was 7-9, 10-5, 7-3, 10-5 much more respectable than anything they’ve done since he’s left.
Don’t forget Cade McNown!
You keep saying this, but who is this proven passer they are going to acquire? If you say Herbert, you are delusional.
1. Why would Chargers trade their franchise QB to the Bears?
2. Herbert is a great QB having finished top 10-top 5 in QBR. Idk why people think it’s only a QBs fault if a team wins or loses as if defense and special teams aren’t a thing. Chargers offense has overaged 24-25 ppg with Herbert.
3. Cousins comes to mind as an immediate proven qb this off season. Next off season there’s more guys hitting the open market.
My comment was meant that it is delusional to think Herbert would be traded. A guy who will be 36 coming off a serious injury or hope for someone in 2025? LOL. Might as well keep Fields and hope he figures it out given he won’t bring that much back in trade.
Cousins coming off an injury playing at 70% is a better QB than Fields will ever be and wasting another draft pick on a QB you will fail to develop is stupid LOL
but if you enjoy watching the bears waste a #1 pick, #2 pick, #10 pick on QBs and wind up drafting top 10 for a half century well good luck. Enjoy getting owned by the Packers and Lions and Vikings rest of your natural born life.
Chicago is in a great situation. It really comes down to Poles/Waldron and what they believe Fields can be with a proper supporting cast, upgraded protection on the O-Line and in Waldron’s system.
His teammates believe in him obviously as do many in the FO. Fact is, Fields has shown his ability in spite of having no real weapons outside of Moore and to a lesser extent, Kmet. They have a mediocre line and a mediocre RB room.
So, to me it’s a no brainer. Let someone overpay for Williams. Grab a haul of draft capital, both in this draft and next year’s draft (very key).
Now you have Fields locked in for 2 more years. Plenty of cap space and draft capital to upgrade the O-line, add at least one stud WR (Harrison, Odunze?) a C, perhaps a LT upgrade and see what Fields does in Waldron’s system with legit weapons. If he doesn’t excel and deemed not a fit, you simply don’t extend him and you use the future draft capital to replace him.
Thats why at least one future 1st needs to be part of the package. Bears already have 2 2nds next year (their pick and CAR pick) Multiple 1sts and 2nds NEXT year will be plenty to package together and draft/acquire a new QB.
Worst case scenario, Fields proves he’s not the guy, BUT you still have all these young players on team friendly rookie deals set up for the next QB.
IF Fields proves he’s the guy, then WOW! You still have all this young talent on team friendly deals allowing you more than enough to give Fields whatever extension you want.
So this argument about “re-setting the QB clock” is overblown.
Hypothetically if they keep the pick and draft Williams then draft say Nabers or Odunze at 9. Now you have to expensive positions locked in to team friendly rookie deals, but you have no 2nd round pick and only 6 total picks in the draft. So all of those savings are gonna get eaten up in FA, so how much have you really saved OR….
Trade back once or twice and get say…
3- Harrison Jr
9- Jared Verse
34- Jackson Powers
37- Xavier Legette
45 – 3 tech DL
etc….
Now you have 4-5 starting caliber players on rookie deals, 3-4 of which you only get by trading back. So, you actually save more by not re-setting the clock on ONE position (albeit the most expensive one)
Personally, I don’t think Williams is “Pat Mahomes” I think he’ll be good, but not “generational”.
Your post overlooks the fact that while the bears have a mediocre OL and mediocre RB, they also have a mediocre QB, who has shown nothing to dispel that fact. Blaming other teammates mediocrity for the criticism a QB recieves is just stupid. They are all mediocre, and it’s painfully obvious.
Also, of course teammates publically support the current QB… that’s what 99% of the players in this league say, regardless of how big a bum their QB is. Time to grow up and face reality bud.
Yeah, darn Fields, he is not playing every position on the field like he should be..
Bryzzo… I understand your argument. It has merit. But you’re skimming over what’s always been the core issue with the Bears- “The NEXT QB”.. They literally never get it right. The Texans had young inexperienced WRs and a below average O-line this past season, but Stroud and a great OC changed everything for them. They must take an educated chance here and swing for the fences! Fields is just not the guy.
Sure Rondon, that’s accurate, but we can’t paint all these GMs/Scouts with the same brush. The current regime has nothing to do with the poor decisions of the past.
I would like to see Fields with a proven OC(like Waldron) and at least one other legit WR and a little more stability with regards to the interior OL (C, RG)
These are not huge holes to fix. You pick up his 5th year option, and give him the next two years and use all that extra draft capital AND cap space to fill out his supporting cast.
If in two years, he still hasn’t proven he’s the guy, you cut bait and move on. You don’t have to sign him to a huge extension, I think that’s where some fans get lost. They assume if they don’t draft a QB this year, they HAVE to give Fields the bag and that’s simply not true.
Well, I know it’s early, but most prognosticators think the next class or 2 of QBs is less than inspiring. I don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking Stroud on this same Bear’s team last season, would’ve outperformed Fields by a mile in the passing game. I just don’t see Fields taking that step in the passing game.
I don’t know if Fields is the answer or not but 3 seasons is 3 seasons. Like a writer said, you pass on a QB with the first pick last season and your offense still struggles with Fields this season. I don’t know if the Bears can afford to pass again. Yeah, I don’t mind the idea of keeping him and trading the number 1 for a boat load of picks but this team isn’t that far away from winning, in my opinion. And I’m old school. Offenses win games but defenses win championships. I like what Poles has done but obviously this is a HUGE offseason for him and the Bears. We’re focused so much on the draft but they can also build some through FA. GO BEARS!
2022 should never be counted, Fields was a victim of that season (and yeah I get that his contract still counts that season). The Offense still needs more help and a new OC may also help dramatically.
If not for the D failing in a few games, Johnson dropping a sure pick 6, and Mooney dropping a couple in games, the Bears make the postseason, and yet people would still be whining about Fields.
Fields has work to do he is not perfect, but he is not the sole issue on this team, and the Bears need more picks, especially this season. Build the team and culture first, and if Fields still fails, drop him and either use the multiple picks you get from trading down to trade up to get a guy you feel can be consistently good, or go for a FA where the team is already built.
The other bit, I see a LOT of ‘Analysts’ (most which never played the game, or had, but years ago) and writers talking up Williams (makes me wonder if that money players get now being in college is going to PR firms), but I see more current players (not just on the Bears) saying stick with Fields, a bit telling to me…
Yeah shouldn’t count. Ok. Keep spewing this nonsense.
better than what you apparently spew.
He doesn’t actually read what other’s write- Spewing is so much easier.
I can’t believe there will be an NFL team stupid enough to mortgage their future and “deal” with the Bears. Yet there will be.
Chicago can keep trading out of number one to the NFL’s worst team and end up with multiple first round picks and the first or second pick every year (from last year’s trade partner, like the Panthers this year). Very clever horsetrading.
Doesn’t matter how many horses you trade for when they all suck… it’s the bears, draft picks are like kryptonite for them.
Did any team watch what happened in Carolina this season? Traded a fortune; and left their ‘franchise QB’ with nothing. No O-line, WR’s, & TE’s. How did that turn out?
Near any / every team says they want ‘historic’ value for the #1 pick so that of itself is not a viable statement.
I still think the Bears will use their pick on MH Jr., be it 1,2 or 3. Don’t see them moving far and I don’t see any of the ‘QB class’ to be worth ‘historical’ returns.
Will admit that some team might hit ‘hysterical’ in their quest to improve as evidenced by a few drafts from the past!
Both teams in the Super Bowl built the rest of the team first, and got the QB after.
This is such a classic to much time to think about it situation. Too much time to romanticize what Justin fields could be even though after 3 years he isn’t. You think they would learn their lesson from not having CJ Stroud but I guess not.
Trade the pick!
I’m convinced Williams will just be another USC QB that failed to live up to the hype but I’m not convinced a bunch of draft capital will turn the Bears around either. The Browns had 36 draft picks between 2015-17 and parlayed all of that into just 4 wins during those years.
Akili Smith 2.0. aka A one year wonder.
Fields is going to be the Bears Antwaan Randle El only better. Jack of all trades on offense and backup QB.
Personally, I think Caleb Williams could be very good. Much like Fields it isn’t like he was surrounded with a good OL and a bunch of weapons. Neither were, but still Williams kept them competitive.
I just think the Bears would benefit more surrounding Fields with more talent, rather than starting over with Williams.
I think I’d keep Fields, and try to trade where you can stay within range to draft Harrison Jr. and then grab Brock Bowers with the #9 pick.
Add a couple OL next in the draft and in free agency, add another veteran WR, lock up JJ, and see what you have moving forward.
Williams is oozing with talent, but you can start to compete now if you add the right pieces to the Bears offense.
I don’t think it is all that complicated.
I blame the Redskins for the inflation in what it takes to trade up nowadays – as Snyder vastly overpaid for RG3 and thus reset the market.
Translation: Da Bears want to keep Fields, but are to scared of the PR nightmare if Williams turns into an all-time great. (They still hear it by picking Trubusky over Mahomes/Watson.).
Be the GM us Bears fans want. Trade the pick, extend Fields ASAP (at a discount based on lack of past performance), and march on to the Super Bowl in the next 3-4 years.
Fields wasn’t Poles pick. How does Poles save his job? Reset the clock and draft a QB.
I would totally trade down and get a haul. Caleb Williams is not Peyton Manning. After all, his Trojans finished last season 7-5 and 6th in the PAC 10 after being projected to finish 1st. Wins aren’t everything when scouting a prospect QB but it should be. They influence the game more than anyone else.
Keep Fields as your “Super McMahon” and use your embarrassment of riches to draft and assemble the new 85 Bears defense.
Just hoping and praying that the Raiders do not give up a “historic haul” to get that pick. We have too many holes on our offensive line and need a mauler up front on the defensive line. We could even consider trading back around ten picks and still get a solid offensive tackle and then look to grab a DT/NT with the 2nd round pick. Adding as many picks as possible should help get this team turned around right out of the gate next season.
Being a Lions fan, I am hoping they draft Caleb Williams and trade Fields. I honestly think Williams is going to be a big time bust. Maybe not on the same level as a Leaf or Andre Ware. But I am much more afraid of 5+ more years of Justin Fields. His escapability is dynamic and he is getting more accurate every year. If they keep him and put more talent around him, the Bears could be a scary azz team within a few years. So please, Chicago, draft the Golden Child Williams and his massive (yet undeserving) ego!
Fields could command one of the most lucrative contracts in the NFL,
==========================
I don’t think he is being traded for more than a 3rd rounder. Unless he improves significantly, how does he get “one of the most lucrative contracts”?
Just for fun,, what’s the difference between and Daniel Jones, historically?
5.8 v 6.2 yards per run attempt. Pretty close. Slightly better passing stats for Jones.
If you want to see how often it works out with a QB picked 1st overall, just look at the track record: 2023-Bryce Young, 2021-Trevor Lawrence, 2020-Joe Burrow, 2019-Kyler Murray, 2018-Baker Mayfield, 2016-Jared Goff, 2015-Jameis Winston, 2012-Andrew Luck, 2011-Cam Newton, 2010-Sam Bradford, 2009-Matthew Stafford, 2007-JaMarcus Russell, 2005-Alex Smith, 2004-Eli Manning, 2003-Carson Palmer, 2002-David Carr, 2001-Michael Vick, 1999-Tim Couch, 1998-Peyton Manning, 1993-Drew Bledsoe, 1990-Jeff George.
Obviously I could’ve kept going & added Aikman, Testaverde,& Elway,but 21 just seemed like a good number to stop at. The track record is about 50/50, they just have to weigh the difference between the two. Caleb Williams will give them four years of play at a rookie salary. Justin Fields has already played three years, and he finished the season ranked 24th in QBR according to PFF. they have to make a decision on his 5th year option this off-season, which will pay him like a top 10 QB. He runs like Michael Vick in his prime, but his passing isn’t where it needs to be yet. Unless they could pay him like the 24th ranked QB, it’s not worth it. The only scenario where they don’t risk overpaying for what could be the highest paid position on the team is to get a rookie. If they keep the first overall pick, it could keep them from drafting another “athletic” QB that’s a better runner than passer, and maybe this time get a better passer.
Fields has played with one legitimately great WR for one season. His passer rating to DJ Moore was over 120 going into week 18. That was nearly league best, but could be shut down by defenses bc of few other weapons and an inept OC.
Get Fields a few legit stud receivers (WR & TE) that get open downfield, catch the ball, break off routes when scrambled & pile up YAC. I think Fields could eventually dominate with league best weapons & a competent OC.
Poles will continue to build a talented, deep team, then have the option to draft a QB high should Fields not succeed in 2024. Adding an additional 4-6 top 60 picks over the next three drafts could make their roster scary good.