The Chicago Bears have one of the more unique quarterback situations in recent memory among NFL teams. Nobody expected them to secure the #1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. However, their trade for the Carolina Panthers' 1st rounder this year proved fortuitous. Now, they hold the top spot for the second straight year. However, they also have a young quarterback in Justin Fields, who had his best season yet as a passer in 2023. Some wonder if the team should stay the course with him and trade the #1 pick again. Others think the decision is evident. Trade Fields, avoid paying him, and start over with their quarterback of choice in this class. Fans are split down the middle on the matter. Here is where Kurt Warner comes in.
The Hall of Fame quarterback understands the position better than most. He also has no emotional ties to the Bears' looming decision. This allows him to offer an objective opinion. He was asked about what Chicago should do on The Rich Eisen Show. Warner has watched a lot of Fields over the past couple of years. While he admires the kid for his toughness and improvement, he boiled down the Bears' decision to a simple question.
Has Fields proven that he is an undeniable franchise quarterback?
Kurt Warner is correct.
It sucks for Fields. He's a great kid and has worked so hard to transform himself into what the Bears needed. Sadly, it didn't happen. There were flashes. He made several eye-popping plays with his legs and had brief moments of brilliance as a passer. It just never coalesced into something consistent. The answer to Warner's question is no. Fields has not proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a franchise quarterback. Armed with this knowledge, the Bears' decision is easy to make.
They have to take a quarterback at #1.
If a quarterback hasn't shown in three years that he can be a franchise guy, he likely never will. Yes, Fields didn't have the easiest start to his career. His supporting cast wasn't always great, and there was some upheaval with the coaching staff. The reality is many 1st round quarterbacks faced similar challenges. Drew Brees lost his head coach after one year in San Diego. So did Jared Goff in Los Angeles. That didn't stop them from blossoming into top passers. Guys destined to be good in the NFL find a way despite less-than-ideal circumstances. Kurt Warner knows that better than most.
