The Chicago Bears have one of the most pivotal decisions to make in the NFL this offseason, choosing between keeping quarterback Justin Fields or trading him and building around a new franchise quarterback. Amid growing debate, a consensus seems to be emerging early in the pre-draft process.
Chicago, which owns the first overall pick thanks to the Bryce Young trade with the Carolina Panthers, is keeping its options open. The Bears’ front office has expressed confidence in Fields as a franchise quarterback, but general manager Ryan Pace has scouted the 2024 quarterback prospects heavily.
Related: Chicago Bears mock draft 2024
The choice is essentially down to FIelds, Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. While there was previous speculation that Williams, the Heisman Trophy winner, didn’t want to play for Chicago that has since been refuted. Still months out from the 2024 NFL Draft, there appears to be a real chance part of Chicago’s decision could be revealed this month.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote in a recent mailbag that he believes it’s “better than even” odds the Bears will keep the first overall pick and use it on Williams. With Chicago widely expected to keep the pick and use it on a quarterback, Breer believes Fields could be traded around the time of the NFL Combine.
Related: Caleb Williams scouting report
Will the Chicago Bears keep Justin Fields?
One of the primary reasons the Bears fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and replaced him with Shane Waldron is because of an organizational belief that Getsy often failed to adapt his offense around Fields’ strengths. While Waldron is better at adapting his offenses and is a better fit for a mobile quarterback, Chicago also has to weigh other factors.
Fields is only under contract through the 2025 season, including his fifth-year team option. While he only carries a $6.004 million cap hit in 2024, that figure would surpass $20 million next year. It puts the Bears’ front office in a position where they’d have to extend Fields, limiting their ability to spend at other key positions.
On the other hand, drafting Williams or Maye essentially resets the contract clock. Chicago would have five seasons of franchise-caliber talent under team control, with either Williams or Maye’s salary and cap hit putting them near the bottom of the league for starting quarterbacks.
It’s that factor paired with the consensus evaluation that both Maye and Williams are more talented passers than Fields that will likely shape the Bears’ decision. Fortunately for Fields, there will be a strong trade market for his services and a fresh start with a new team is likely best for both sides.
