The Chicago Bears began preparations for their upcoming appearance against the Vikings in Minnesota for Monday Night Football on Wednesday, with questions still lingering from their heartbreaking loss to the Detroit Lions this past Sunday. One of the questions that remains is whether or not Chicago should retain quarterback Justin Fields for the franchise's long-term future or draft a quarterback in next year's NFL Draft. Despite a miracle run to the Super Bowl, it may be in both Fields and the Bears' best interest if the two parties parted ways this upcoming offseason via a trade.
Bears Have Too Many Assets To Work With Fields Long-Term, Given The Uncertainty Of Re-signing Him To A Massive Contract
If the Bears decide to work with Fields for their long-term plans, they would be giving up a potential franchise-altering quarterback prospect. Chicago, due to the trade with the Carolina Panthers for the 2023 first overall draft selection, will likely have their 2024 first-round pick from the Panthers end up being the first overall pick in the draft. The draft selection would allow the Bears to choose between quarterback prospects Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina.
Choosing Fields over a potential prospect comes with a steep price as not only would a long-term contract extension need to be worked out between the parties, but a sizeable contract extension would also likely consume a good portion of the team's salary cap, making it hard to extend other talented players on the roster. If a quarterback prospect is selected in the draft, it enpowers Chicago with salary cap flexibility as the prospect will be signed to a rookie deal for four to five years. Having potentially Maye Or Williams make multiple playoff appearances on a rookie contract would be more affordable for the Bears compared to only getting one appearance from Fields before a costly contract extension is signed.
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The other issue with keeping Fields on a long-term basis is that it could potentially hinder Chicago's head coaching search this offseason if the franchise chooses to move on from Matt Eberflus. A potential candidate who is highly qualified may decline the Bears' head coaching opportunity if he is forced to work with a quarterback who may not fit his desired offensive scheme. Having the potential first overall selection, along with another top ten draft selection, would attract the best available candidates for the coaching vacancy as the hire would be allowed to draft his own quarterback and additional piece.
Another aspect to consider when determining whether or not to keep Fields long-term is whether another NFL team would want to trade for the starting quarterback. Heading into the upcoming offseason, numerous teams will need to address their quarterback position, and only a few will be able to do so by drafting a quarterback prospect in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Other franchises may reach out to the Bears and inquire about trading for Fields and even offer high-level draft compensation for the young passer, including a second-round selection, something the Bears don't currently have.
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It May Be In Fields Best Interest For A Fresh Start Too
Moving on from the Bears may be in Fields' best interest after 2023, depending on what changes take place. If Chicago decides to fire Eberflus at year's end, their starting quarterback would be forced to learn his third offensive playbook within four years, which is never a good thing for any passer in the NFL. If Fields had issues executing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's offensive scheme this season, there is no guarantee there won't be a similar learning issue with a new head coach.
Even if Fields is traded, he will have to learn a new offensive scheme, but would likely be happier knowing the team who acquired him building the offense's playbook around his best skills, as the franchise would want to get the most out of their acquisition. The Bears' starting quarterback currently has one year and a fifth-year team option left on his rookie contract, with the decision on the fifth-year option needing to be made this offseason. If Chicago hires a new head coach, the team could decide to gamble and decline Fields' fifth-year option if they don't believe he is the long-term answer.
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Additionally, a change of scenery with a new fan base may be best for Fields, as regardless of how the 2023 season ends, there will still be a significant debate by Bears fans on whether he is the franchise's best option for the future. If the quarterback is traded to a new team, that city will likely support him 100% and believe that he gives their team the best chance to win in 2024. A fanbase that would welcome Fields with open arms would be the Atlanta Falcons, who currently have one of the most talented offensive rosters in the league but are weak at the quarterback position. Fields would fit perfectly with wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and rookie running back Bijan Robinson.
Barring a drastic change in the remaining six games, a parting of ways after 2023 may be beneficial for both Fields and the Bears. The quarterback's sporadic in his seven starts this season has contributed to why the team is considering the possibility of drafting a quarterback with the first overall selection in next year's draft. Despite Fields being talented as a quarterback, the poor play by himself and the team may result in a departure which appears best for all parties.
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