As the 2023 NFL season ends and preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft is already underway for the Chicago Bears, a significant question arises regarding whether to stick with quarterback Justin Fields or consider drafting Caleb Williams from USC.
With the Bears slotted to draft first overall in 2024 — a pick they acquired last season from the Carolina Panthers, who selected quarterback Bryce Young first overall — this decision will impact the team’s direction as they continue under the guidance of coach Matt Eberflus. Recent reports indicate the Bears will bring back the embattled coach primarily due to the team’s late-season surge after a rough start.
Assuming Eberflus is back, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Bears committing to Fields and the same if they decide to take Williams first overall.
Chicago Bears advantages of staying with Justin Fields
For all of his natural playmaking ability, strong arm and football IQ, Fields has turned the ball over far too often in his young pro career. Fields has thrown for 40 touchdowns but also 30 interceptions and 38 fumbles. While he’s capable of making great football decisions, his lapses in judgment stunted his growth early, but he has steadily improved throughout the 2023 season. What signs point to perhaps Fields finally starting to realize his potential?
Fields’ progress and potential
Fields has shown steady improvement in the latter part of the 2023 season. Following his return from a thumb injury in Week 11, Fields has showcased his abilities by throwing for 945 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 60.9% of his passes. Additionally, he’s contributed to the Bears rushing attack with 348 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This growth is a testament to his hard work and adaptability qualities that have earned praise from the Bears coaching staff.
Fields dynamic playmaking
Fields possesses a talent for outmaneuvering defenses with his running game, reminiscent of Lamar Jackson’s style. He has demonstrated an ability to extend plays with his feet — vital to succeed in today’s NFL — and maintain focus downfield when faced with pressure. While ultimately wanting to see him run less, the fact he can create both downfield and by running when he has to makes him incredibly valuable.
Fields well-respected in Bears locker room
Within the Bears locker room, Fields enjoys a high level of respect from his teammates and coaches. He is also highly respected among the Bears front office, which is why the decision will be a tough one for the brass. Often overlooked, Fields’ maturity and ability to cultivate a positive team chemistry has been one of his greatest strengths.
Drawbacks if the Chicago Bears stick with Justin Fields
As with any young player who doesn’t instantly succeed, there are also downsides to Fields that can’t be overlooked. While they don’t preclude him from being successful long-term, the three years he’s spent with the Bears certainly have raised questions as to whether or not he will live up to his potential. Here are some of the drawbacks, based on three years in the NFL, the Bears could be considering.
Fields’ inconsistency in crucial moments
Despite his progress, Justin Fields has encountered difficulties in the fourth quarter, mainly when the Bears are behind with less than four minutes remaining. His 55.3 passer rating in these situations ranks 48th among quarterbacks with at least 10 passes this season and only two other quarterbacks have thrown more fourth-quarter interceptions (5) than Fields. With NFL games increasingly coming down to one or two scores, late-game ability is key to winning in the NFL.
Fields’ room for growth as a passer
While Fields has improved as a passer, there is still plenty of room for development. But how fast can he advance? His completion rate (60.9) is up slightly from a year ago, and his decision-making under pressure needs to be better to establish himself as an elite NFL quarterback. Too often, he will throw balls into danger when the Bears are leading or which have a high probability of becoming turnovers.
Chicago Bears advantages of drafting Caleb Williams
The comparison of Williams to two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes may be unfair, but they have been thrown around for the past two seasons and seem to have stuck. Consensus believes there is no way Williams isn’t the first overall pick in the draft and talent evaluators all believe he will be as close to a sure-fire hit as the NFL has seen in a long time. But for the Bears, what advantages does Williams bring them to where they’d be willing to part with Fields so soon in his career?
Caleb Williams’ promising potential
Williams is considered a quarterback prospect with the most potential of any college quarterback coming out since perhaps Andrew Luck. Choosing him in the draft could offer the Bears a new start at the position and a higher long term potential at the quarterback position. While some of the early season shine came off Williams as USC struggled, this has not impacted what pro scouts have said about his potential at the next level, and the Bears are aware of the value that brings.
Caleb Williams as a long term investment
Selecting Williams would demonstrate a commitment to rebuilding and building the team around a quarterback, which can be appealing if the Bears decide he’s the player to build around. While many believe they could do the same with Fields, Williams is considered a generational talent and almost certainly would bring a slew of changes to the Bears roster to fit his style of play and timeline.
Disadvantages for Chicago Bears if they draft Caleb Williams
Drafting first-round QBs always includes risk
Drafting any quarterback always carries risks since collegiate success does not always translate seamlessly into the NFL. The Bears would be taking on some uncertainty particularly considering that Fields has shown promise and improvement. Williams’ upside is so great, many will be blinded by it but the statistics show since 2011 38 quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round. Their combined record since has been 1034-1035-7 — basically a push. So no first-round QB is a sure thing.
The decision the Bears make on Justin Fields will have long-term implications for a franchise that hasn’t had consistency at quarterback since the 1950s with Sid Luckman. Many believe Fields has shown enough improvement at the end of 2023 that the Bears should stick with him and continue to build around him. Others believe Caleb Williams is too good a prospect to pass up. Either way, the Bears decision will be closely scrutinized in the months and years to come.