The Justin Fields trade rumors aren’t going away. They won’t until the 2023 draft arrives and the Chicago Bears have decided what to do with the #1 overall pick. Plenty of experts believe the possibility exists GM Ryan Poles will pull the ripcord, trade Fields, and draft his own quarterback. Others think such an idea is dumb. Fields made more than enough progress in 2022 to justify more time. Improve the offensive line, add more weapons, and give him a reasonable chance to keep growing in the same offensive system.
That is the most likely course of action the Bears will take. However, it doesn’t mean they will completely ignore the quarterback position. Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated believes the team will seek options at some point in the draft with a clear objective in mind.
“They will draft a quarterback … but not in the first round.
This Bears draft will be about building stylistic compliments for Justin Fields, if the franchise is indeed committed to building around him. Like the Ravens had done for years with Lamar Jackson, the Bears need a quarterback who can step in and operate a system that is designed to accentuate the same kind of personnel they are acquiring for Fields.”
Part of the problem with Fields is his playing style. While effective, it can also be tough on the body. That means injuries. Chicago lost both games without him in the lineup this past season, both in blowout fashion. Trevor Siemian and Nathan Peterman couldn’t run the offense as it was meant to be. The idea is to find a QB in the draft with similar physical traits to Fields. Similar to Tyler Huntley in Baltimore or Tyrod Taylor in New York.
This would be a sensible move by the Chicago Bears.
There is nothing wrong with adding insurance at the most important position in the sport. Chicago already reaped the rewards of such a move in the past. They might’ve never made the playoffs in 2005 if they hadn’t drafted Kyle Orton in the 4th round. His ability to step up in the wake of Rex Grossman’s injury proved crucial. There is no shortage of quarterbacks in this upcoming draft with the necessary athletic traits to run this offense similar to Fields.
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Fresno State standout Jake Haener was the MVP of the Senior. While undersized and boasting an average arm, he’s mobile, smart, tough, and has excellent improvisational skills. Hendon Hooker was on his way to 1st round status in Tennessee before injuring his ACL. The Chicago Bears would have to wait out his recovery process, but he has the athleticism, accuracy, and poise of a guy who can play at the NFL level. Once the draft turns to day three, fans should start watching carefully. Orr might be correct. Poles may look to find quarterback help.
