When the Chicago Bears selected Justin Fields with the 11th overall pick of the 2021 draft, they believed they had found their franchise quarterback.
But after just three seasons and 40 games with the Bears, Fields might be all done in Chicago.
There’s been a flurry of rumors over the past few weeks surrounding Fields and his future with the Bears, who have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Should Chicago end up moving on, Fields wanted to make it clear that he was appreciative of his time in the Windy City.
“To the city of Chicago, love y’all,” Fields said following the Bears’ 17-9 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. “Appreciate the fans and the support from all the Bears, you know, and in case this is my last rodeo with y’all, appreciate y’all for everything.”
And regardless of what happens, Fields won’t be questioning his effort over the past three years.
“All I can control is what I did do. I gave it my all,” Fields said. “Whether it’s here or not, I have no regrets.”
In 13 games this season, Fields completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 657 yards and four TDs.
Fields, 24, started 38 of the 40 games he has appeared in with the Bears. He has thrown for 6,674 yards in his career with 40 touchdowns and 30 picks while rushing for an additional 2,220 yards and 14 scores.
Chicago just completed a 7-10 season with the loss to the Packers. Bears general manager Ryan Poles told ESPN Radio on Sunday that the organization has yet to decide how it will handle the situation under center.
“We’re working from a position of strength and just going to continue to keep an open mind and look at all options,” Poles said. “I’m excited for that opportunity.”
Even after three losing seasons, Fields hopes to stay with Chicago.
“I have a pretty good relationship with Ryan and the guys upstairs,” Fields said. “At the end of the day, this is a business. They have to make the tough decisions. My job is just to go out there and play my best. It would mean a lot to get that confirmation from them and just really send a message that they trust me to lead this team and be the quarterback.”
–Field Level Media