The Chicago Bears internal debate rages on. Should the Bears ditch starting quarterback Justin Fields and draft USC blue chip QB prospect Caleb Williams with their overall no. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft?
Or should they keep Fields, build around him with their two first round picks (no. 1 and no. 9) and count on his improving field play and increasing consistency to take him to next-level success?
General Manager Ryan Poles and the Bears front office already announced a focus on offensive change last week when they fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy as well as quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert and running backs coach coach Omar Young.
But that doesn’t necessarily answer the question of what they plan on doing with the quarterback situation.
Fields Could Yield No. 1 Draft Pick
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN First Draft is a strong proponent of drafting Williams and trading the talented, but sometimes unpredictable Fields. Despite some feelings to the contrary, the senior NFL analyst believes that Chicago could possibly get a first round pick for Fields in this year’s draft.
With several teams desperate for a high-end quarterback, there’s a wider market for Fields, who many feel could be just a tweak or two away from being a high-functioning franchise quarterback. His strong finish to this season definitely served to boost his trade value.
One of those QB-hungry teams could be the 7-10 Atlanta Falcons, whose patience with starting QB Desmond Ridder may have already run out after just two seasons. With the team bringing in a new head coach, there’s wisdom in also bringing in a new quarterback who can help the team move in a different direction.
Fields to the Falcons?
Kiper feels that dealing Fields and picking Williams opens up a lot of possibilities
“You have no second round pick [It was dealt to the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline this season in exchange for Montez Sweat], so some maneuvering could take place there,” Kiper said. “If you trade Justin Fields to Atlanta, you could get the 8th pick overall, so you could have 1, 8, and [the Bears’ own] 9 and be able recoup a second round pick by trading down with one of those two picks, either 8 or 9, so a lot of maneuverability for the Bears either way, but if it’s me, I’m taking Caleb Williams no. 1 and trading Justin Fields.”
Justin Fields vs. Caleb Williams
As for Caleb Williams, Kiper feels there’s some risk in going with him, but that there’s also risk when it comes to sticking with Fields.
“Sensational quarterback two years ago, early this year, then he had some issues from really that Arizona game, the Notre Dame game on,” Kiper asserted. “But the bottom line is when you study the overall body of work, fielding the ability of him with his arm talent, the way he sees the field and how instinctive he is as a quarterback, to me, we say, well ‘it’s an unknown with Caleb Williams.’ People say it’s a known with Justin Fields. No it’s not. It’s an unknown whether Justin Fields can be a franchise (quarterback). So, sure, it’s an unknown with Caleb. It’s also unknown with Justin. So I’m going to reset the clock. I’m taking Caleb Williams.”
At the end of the day, though, the analyst feels that money may have some bearing on choosing Williams over Fields. Williams will be coming in with a rookie deal, while Fields will be entering his fourth year, just one season away from what will be a pricey fifth year option and plenty of haggling regarding an extension.
With Williams, Kiper added, “You reset the clock” when it comes to quarterback payout.
The Bears and the Falcons have been linked to trade talks recently, with a proposal sending over a package of Falcons draft picks and veteran defensive end Grady Jarrett for the Bears’ no. 1 pick. Atlanta has also spent serious time scouting Georgia-native Fields as both an opponent as well as, reportedly, a potential trade target.
Time will tell how this all plays out. But, for Chicago Bears fans, having three (top ten) first round picks, with the top QB prospect heading that haul, would indeed be sweet.
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