Jaylon Johnson has secured his new contract. That is one less distraction for the Chicago Bears to deal with. Now, the central focus of their efforts is Justin Fields. GM Ryan Poles understands he must figure out what to do with the former 1st round pick. Some still hold out hope the Bears will keep him, but all signs indicate they are moving on with a new quarterback. That means finding a trade partner for Fields. Usually, that wouldn’t be too difficult. However, a vibrant free agent market headlined by Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Russell Wilson makes that problematic.
Some feel the market is dead now. The Bears are screwed. However, it is never that simple. Former defensive end Chris Long spoke to Mike Mayock about the Fields situation on the Green Light podcast. The former Las Vegas Raiders GM understands the situation. One thing he learned on the job is how fluid the quarterback market can be. While things may appear dead now, there is a real possibility Chicago will start getting serious calls after the first wave of free agency as the draft draws closer.
In his experience, that is when the desperate teams will start to emerge.
The Bears may choose patience with Justin Fields.
Nobody ever said they had to get something done before free agency. Yes, they would’ve preferred that. Sometimes, things don’t line up the right way. Poles has plenty of time to let things shuffle. Fields’ 5th-year option decision isn’t due until May 3rd after the draft. There is every reason to think the Bears can push this close to the draft, waiting to see if a GM from another team gets too nervous. They have the advantage of holding the #1 overall pick, so they already have their QB alternative lined up. It’s the other teams that must find solutions.
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The big unknown in all of this is what Poles’ asking price is. Rumblings suggest it hovers around a 2nd round pick. However, no team has been willing to offer that. Not yet. Most of them no doubt hope to land one of the big fish in free agency. One thing is clear. All of them won’t get that wish granted. From there, a decision must be made. Either you take your chances in the draft, or you work out a deal for Justin Fields. The law of averages says somebody will come forward with a solid offer at some point.
