The Chicago Bears could’ve easily pivoted this off-season. GM Ryan Poles had every excuse in the book. He didn’t draft Justin Fields. The quarterback had an inconsistent season in 2022, especially as a passer. Chicago held the #1 overall pick, meaning they could take anybody in the 2023 draft class they wanted. Poles weighed his options and then made his decision loud and clear by trading the 1st pick to Carolina. He received wide receiver D.J. Moore in that deal, then drafted right tackle Darnell Wright 10th overall.
This was a clear-cut message that the organization was committed to helping Fields improve. They feel he has the necessary mental and physical traits of a franchise quarterback. What he needs is a consistent, familiar system along with an improved supporting cast. ESPN insider Dan Graziano assessed the Bears’ situation and made his prediction for the 2024 off-season.
“Most likely outcome: The Bears and Fields both take a step forward in their progression this season, improving on last year’s record but not quite contending for the postseason (though in the NFC, you never know). They pick up Fields’ fifth-year option next May, and if he has shown enough, maybe even start talking extension.”
Yet even if things go sideways, the Bears aren’t in a bad spot.
Graziano believes Fields failing to improve and looking more like the player he was last year still plays in their favor, thanks to the work Poles did this past April.
“Long shot outcome: Fields regresses, keeps taking too many hits and doesn’t show the improvements the Bears want to see in their passing game. It leads to them picking high in the draft again and, armed with Carolina’s first-rounder in addition to their own, they’re in position to maneuver to find Fields’ replacement at or near the top of the draft.”
Justin Fields holds the future in his hands.
The Bears have done everything possible to give him a fair opportunity this season. His receiving corps is easily the deepest and most talented of his pro career. His offensive line is younger, more athletic, and has plenty of upside. The Bears can still run the ball effectively too. To top it off, it appears he’ll get a lot more support from the defense this season. Fields doesn’t have to set the world on fire. All he has to do is post respectable passing numbers and win enough games to convince the organization they’re headed in the right direction.
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If he fails to progress, Poles will have a decision to make. Either he gives Justin Fields one more season, likely without the cushion of the 5th-year option, or the Bears will go hunting for alternatives next spring. This GM has already shown he’s not shy about unloading former Ryan Pace picks. He’s given Fields leeway thus far because the surrounding situation was rough. Such excuses can’t last forever. Good quarterbacks shouldn’t need perfect situations to play well. The Bears don’t need perfect. They need better. It should be his year.
