Should the Chicago Bears draft a quarterback if they land the No. 1 overall pick from the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft? It’s the biggest question facing a franchise that has had an unforgiving history at the QB position, especially considering they just made Justin Fields a first-round pick in 2021.
Yet, the Bears, who have twice held the No. 1 overall pick but have never selected a QB at the top, don’t know what they have yet in the 24-year-old former Ohio State star.
Some would say the Bears have seen enough from Fields and that it’s time to move on after three seasons, where he’s led Chicago to a 9-27 record. Others would say that the Bears have never given their young QB much to work with, both in the protection and pass-catching department. Many would throw coaching in there too.
The truth is probably somewhere in between after Fields, like the Bears, has shown small signs of growth across his 38 NFL starts. Yes, there’s been a lot of inconsistency, especially for a first-round QB, but there are also flashes of superstar potential.
As a QB, there’s no question Fields still needs to improve upon the career 60% completion rate he holds. Yet, as a runner, one could argue he’s among the very best players in the NFL with the ball in his hands.
But for the Bears, they see both sides. The potential upside in solving the QB position once and for all with a player like USC’s Caleb Williams is tantalizing, but they also know, like Fields and several others, first-round prospects are no sure thing. It’s a gamble. We know that going into the process.
So, while the Bears have shown signs of growth, where does the front office stand on Fields? Is he ripe for a replacement, or is this organization ready to put their support behind the dual-threat QB?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, what Fields has done has made Chicago’s upcoming 2024 NFL Draft decision “difficult,” thanks to his playmaking this year. Basically, for those who are sold on Chicago taking a QB if they land the first overall pick, the Bears want you to know, that decision is still very much up in the air. Whether you believe them or not is up to you.
Related: See where Justin Fields ranks among QBs in 2023