The future of the Bears’ quarterback position has become a contentious issue. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, it appears like Chicago is looking to transfer current starter Justin Fields in order to make room for possible No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams.
According to Diana Russini of The Athletic, buzz at the NFL scouting combine seems to be consistent, with the majority assuming the Bears are moving on from Fields. If the team does not pick up Fields’ fifth-year option, his rookie contract will expire in 2024. Instead of allowing Fields to finish his contract on the bench behind Williams, Chicago appears to be looking to trade the 24-year-old and get some value in exchange for a player they will eventually let go in free agency.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, many in the league believe Fields will be drafted in the second round. A second- or third-round pick may not be the best outcome for a former first-round pick, but it is preferable to receiving nothing when his rookie contract expires. Fowler mentions the Falcons, Steelers, Raiders, and Vikings as possible teams interested in Fields’ acquisition. Atlanta has been connected to the young quarterback several times recently, with many questioning whether he is the best fit in a Rams-influenced scheme under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. According to Fowler, the Falcons have a “fairly good” chance of landing either Fields, Kirk Cousins, or Baker Mayfield, opening up a wider variety of choices for Atlanta.
The Bears have stated that they want to “do right” by Fields and not leave him in a “gray area.” Despite having expressed their intentions, the club does not necessarily have the best bargaining position. Russini suggests that the team may require additional moves to impact the market for Fields. She quotes an NFC general manager who says, “When people know you are getting rid of something, they don’t pay as much for it.” If a few experienced quarterbacks who are also available are moved, reducing the amount of possibilities for quarterback-needy teams, a bidding war for Fields may emerge. To accomplish this, a number of well-known quarterbacks would have to be signed prior to the draft.
The draft serves as an effective deadline because if the Bears take Williams, Fields becomes obsolete, and it appears increasingly likely that Williams will be the pick in late April. At one point, there were speculations that the USC quarterback may force a trade to avoid playing for the Bears. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Williams has already backed down from that thought, expressing excitement and fascination at the prospect of traveling to Chicago.
I’m not pushing any agenda,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, the Bears have the last say. Regardless of how I feel, I’m not pushing an agenda of, ‘Yeah, I want to go,’ or ‘no, I don’t want to go.’ I’m excited for whatever comes.”
There was also speculation over Williams’ draftability following recent statements from his father, Carl. According to Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic, Carl said that his son would get “two shots at the apple,” implying that if the circumstances as the No. 1 overall choice isn’t good, Williams could just return to school with his NIL deals. The comment from Williams’ father made the rounds, causing anxiety in some scouting circles.
Still, Williams expressed a healthy interest in the Commanders, as well. Getting drafted to Washington would send Williams back to the area in which he went to high school at Gonzaga College HS. While he acknowledged that it would be cool to be so familiar with the area, he emphasized that his job is going to be in the facility working on his game
