Anyone and everyone in and around the NFL has opined about the Chicago Bears and their important decision regarding the quarterback going forward. Keep Fields and trade the top pick to accumulate more draft capital? Trade Fields and draft one of the top QBs in this year's draft?
Current players, former players, national beat writers, and Chicago writers all have opinions. The writers and editors here were asked what their opinion on this critical question, and their answers were interesting and enlightening.
Chris Burhans, Editor
The Bears will draft Caleb Williams #1 overall and reset the quarterback clock. They will target another offensive playmaker at #9, likely wide receiver, though I wouldn't be surprised if they went defensive line here. Justin Fields will be traded for a late 2nd round pick. The Bears will extend Jaylon Johnson and target more offensive playmakers and DL in free agency. Let's hope they grab a center along the way.
Matt Eastman, COO/Editor
The Chicago Bears face a pivotal decision in selecting their upcoming quarterback, with strong indications suggesting they may opt for Caleb Williams as the #1 overall pick. However, I argue that a more strategic move would be to trade the top pick, acquire additional capital, and position themselves later in the draft. This would allow the Bears to potentially secure Marvin Harrison Jr., a prospect too promising to overlook. One scout said Harrison's blend of size and speed is something they have 'never seen' before. He will challenge Calvin Johnson as the greatest WR prospect ever." Justin Fields has demonstrated his ability to lead the team to victories with his legs and from the pocket. With a revamped coaching staff in place, it would be prudent for the Bears to give Fields the opportunity to continue his development. Retaining him and building on the offensive foundation might be the key to unlocking his full potential and making the leap forward the franchise is hoping for.
Dhruv Koul, Bears writer
I frankly don't believe the Bears would've been able to hire such a quality staff if they'd been forced to work with Justin Fields. The appeal of the Bears' job was and is the chance to coach the #1 pick. Both Drake Maye and Caleb Williams are the only two prospects under consideration - I think Jayden Daniels is well below their level. If the question is who I think is the better prospect and whom the Bears SHOULD draft, it's Drake. If the question is who I think the Bears WILL draft on February 2nd (pre-combine and interview), it's Caleb.
Michael Halatek, Bears writer
Ryan Poles has done a masterful job tearing down the Bears roster and building the team to the point where it is ready to challenge Detroit and the rest of their divisional rivals for playoff contention after only two years. Poles accomplished this by trading back to accumulate draft capital. The rebuild is not complete, and Ryan Poles has the opportunity to continue this trend this year. Trading back a few spots and adding draft choices in 2024, 2025, and even 2026 is ideal to continue building this roster.
If he can trade the number one pick and still have the ability to select Marvin Harrison Jr., then bolster the offense with a Center, depth at guard, tight end, and perhaps another WR, Poles will give the new coaching staff the talent needed to make the offensive click. Drafting Maye or Williams may be the sexy pick, but continuing the rebuild is the most logical choice.
Erik Lambert, Bears writer
There comes a point where an organization must look in a mirror and ask the difficult question. Is our quarterback capable of winning us a championship without the aid of an all-time great roster? If the answer is no, then the decision becomes clear. They must move on. Justin Fields has done everything possible to become that guy. Sadly, things never quite came together. The Bears hold the #1 pick in the draft. They can't afford to pass on this opportunity to find that guy, whether it's Caleb Williams or somebody else. Letting go is the hardest part, but it must be done.
Kevin Wells, Contributor
Justin Fields did what he could to overcome an unsuitable and unfortunate situation during his Bears tenure, but he didn’t produce enough in crunch time this year to make it worth passing on the top pick a second year in a row. With the way NFL economics work, the Bears will be taking a quarterback with the #1 pick. That will be Caleb Williams unless his character presents red flags to Ryan Poles. It’s a waiting game, but hopefully, the Bears can fetch a first-round pick for JF1, who will go on to be a good player in this league if he lands in a stable organization.
Stevie Pusch, Bears writer
Although many believe the bears will chose Caleb Williams 1st overall, it seems unlikely general manager Ryan Poles would tip his hand this early in the offseason. I do believe the bears will utilize their first pick on a quarterback, it will come via a trade back with Washington. Poles will get his quarterback in Drake Maye while also collecting picks by trading back one spot to continue to put the finishing touches on a nearly completed roster.
News and Notes
Happy Birthday, Papa Bear, George Halas!!! Halas was the NFL. He was in Canton the day the league was founded. He pioneered the idea of revenue sharing. The NFL would not be what it is without Halas.
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