Mel Kiper Believes Bears Can Get A 1st Round Pick For Justin Fields

The NFL playoffs conclude its wild card round today. A few weeks from now, the Chicago Bears will become the focus of attention across the league. People will want to know what GM Ryan Poles plans to do with the #1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Some expect more fireworks. The Bears shocked a lot of people when they traded that same pick last year to Carolina for a large package of assets, including D.J. Moore, the 9th pick, a 1st in 2024, a 2nd in 2023, and a 2nd in 2025. Would Poles consider doing it again? The belief is the return this time would be even bigger. ESPN draft insider Mel Kiper was asked that question in a segment with colleague Field Yates. Stick with Justin Fields, or start over with a new quarterback?

Kiper admitted the decision was a tough one. Fields had made progress throughout the 2023 season. However, after extensive tape study, he is now convinced there is no way the Bears can pass on the chance to select Caleb Williams. The USC quarterback is everything a team looks for at the position. He's intelligent, mobile, extremely accurate, and makes good decisions. Drafting him is a no-brainer. At the same time, Kiper also believes Fields' improvement down the stretch will make him far more valuable as a trade commodity.

Enough to possibly even pull a 1st round pick.

Justin Fields fetching a 1st isn't an impossible sell.

Yates pointed out the quarterback still has an affordable year left on his rookie deal with the 5th-year option in play. He's turning 25 next year, so he is young. He remains a freak of nature as an athlete. His progress as a passer was also evident in big wins over Detroit and Atlanta. Everybody can see former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was more of a hindrance than a help to Fields. A new environment with a credible play-caller might finally unlock his vast potential. Remember, Sam Darnold fetched the Jets 2nd, 5th, and 6th round pick when he got traded to Carolina. Darnold wasn't nearly as accomplished as Fields.

As always, it comes down to how strong the market is. There will be a large group of quarterback-needy teams going into this off-season. Not all of them will be in a position to draft one. Chicago is one. Washington, New England, and New York are the others. Everybody else must settle for a second-tier option or take their chances on the veteran market. Those teams include the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and maybe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Minnesota Vikings.

All it takes is one to fall in love with the idea of Justin Fields. Poles is a craft negotiator. If Kiper is correct, then this scenario will be fun to watch.