The Chicago Bears’ intentions with the first overall pick and quarterback Justin Fields have been the subject of NFL trade rumors for weeks. With the NFL Combine approaching, we could soon have a lot more clarity on the eventual Bears’ decision at quarterback.
Fields, heading into his fourth season, has made it clear he would prefer to stay in Chicago. The Bears’ locker room and front office have also expressed confidence in him as a franchise-caliber quarterback who the team can build an offense around.
- Justin Fields stats 2023: 86.3 QB rating, 61.4 percent completion rate, 16-9 TD-INT, 2,562 passing yards, 657 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 4 rushing touchdowns in 13 games
Related: Peter King suggests Chicago Bers could make a stunning decision with No. 1 pick
However, Fields never made the developments as a passer that many were hoping to see from the former first-round pick. Furthermore, NFL executives believe the only decision for Chicago is to trade Fields and reset at quarterback by drafting Caleb Williams first overall.
While the Bears’ final call is still unknown, the expectation is that Fields will be traded. As for when a deal happens, it appears things could ramp up this week.
Related: NFL reporter reveals likely timeline for Chicago Bears to trade Justin Fields
During a recent appearance on ESPN 1000 Chicago, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported there is “some urgency” within the Bears’ front office to get something done. More specifically, he thinks a deal could come together quickly with Chicago getting the framework of a trade together this week at the NFL Combine.
- Justin Fields contract: $6.004 million cap hit in 2024, fifth-year option for 2025
The 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis provides Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace with the perfect opportunity for trade discussions. Representatives from all 32 NFL teams will be in attendance, including general managers and executives of teams in the quarterback market.
While there is still a possibility of Chicago building around Fields by trading the first overall pick, most around the league expect the fourth-year quarterback to be traded. If that proves to be the case, the likely return is already known barring an unexpected offer.
