The Chicago Bears landed in the perfect position for the 2023 NFL Draft, holding both the No. 1 overall pick and franchise quarterback Justin Fields. After weeks of internal debate regarding which asset will be traded, it appears a decision was made.
Fields, entering his age-24 season, showed outstanding potential this past year. While the team posted a 3-12 record, Chicago’s starting quarterback made impressive strides as a passer and emerged as one of the best dual-threat players in the NFL.
- Justin Fields stats (2022): 17-11 TD-INT, 60.4% completion, 1,143 rush yards, 25 total TDs
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Chicago is in an ideal situation to exploit a market that is saturated with teams in desperate need of a franchise signal-caller. While there is no Trevor Lawrence, a generational prospect, the 2023 NFL Draft quarterback class offers multiple high-end options with significant upside.
While general manager Ryan Poles left the door open to trading Fields and drafting his replacement with the first pick, many around the league now believe Chicago’s decision is made.
Appearing on Sunday’s SportsCenter, senior NFL insider Jeremy Fowler disclosed that teams around the NFL expect the Bears to trade the No. 1 pick and keep Fields.
“Most teams I’ve talked to do expect the Bears to keep Justin Fields.”
Jeremy Fowler on Chicago Bears quarterack Justin Fields
It would be an outcome that at least one Bears legend strongly supports. Fields would enter his second season with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, a familiarity with the system that bodes well for an improvement in 2023.
Related: NFL insider anticipates Chicago Bears trading top pick
Chicago, with more NFL salary cap space than anyone, is already poised to spend aggressively to improve its roster on both sides of the ball. By trading down from the No. 1 pick, the Bears would gain additional assets to improve their lineup and could acquire a 2024 first-round pick.
- Justin Fields contract: $5.14 million cap hit (2023), $6 million cap hit (’24), 2025 fifth-year team option
Whether it’s the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, or Las Vegas Raiders, there will be a team willing to pay the price required to acquire the top selection. It will set the Bears up to come away as one of the biggest winners from the 2023 NFL offseason.
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