Five games remain in the 2023 season for the Chicago Bears. Here is where things stand based on the most credible rumors. Team president Kevin Warren is expected to make changes to the football operations in some capacity. It isn't yet clear how much. Team insiders believe GM Ryan Poles is safe. His roster has performed well in recent weeks on both offense and defense despite the continued losing. Matt Eberflus is in danger as Bears head coach. His team's inability to finish games and general inconsistency paint a poor picture of him. Then there is Justin Fields, whose fate is likely tied to how high the Bears pick in the upcoming 2024 draft.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune is one of the most plugged-in people on the beat. He recently dropped an interesting article about J.J. McCarthy and the idea of the Bears drafting him. It was somewhat uncharacteristic for him, leaving some to wonder if he's been hearing things. Sure enough, he let some info slip during a conversation on Bears Banter with Bill Zimmerman. In his estimation, it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Bears will be making a change at quarterback next spring.
Fields' time with the organization is nearing an end.
Justin Fields hasn't been able to swing the argument his way.
Make no mistake. He's played better this season, at least compared to last year. His passing yards per game, TD-INT ratio, and passer rating are all up. The problem is it hasn't been enough to overshadow the lingering concerns. He still opens himself up to too many hits and sacks. His ability to protect the football remains appalling (four 4th quarter fumbles). One must also not ignore that most of his TD production came in two games. Eight touchdowns against Denver and Washington. He has four in the other six games.
All of this boils down to the bottom line. Are the Bears prepared to entertain the idea of passing another golden opportunity to land a difference-making QB with the #1 pick for another year of Justin Fields? The answer is no. His contract has only one cheap year left. Even if the team decided to fire Eberflus and his staff, the odds are high that most top coaching candidates will want to pick their own QB. While it's unfortunate things are playing out this way, it is the harsh business of the NFL.
