Who could have known exploring whether the Chicago Bears should take a quarterback at No. 1 overall or soldier forth with Justin Fields would become evergreen content?
A year after trading the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft and the eventual rights to Bryce Young, the Bears are in the exact same position as a result of that trade, as the Panthers pick they acquired will be No. 1 overall.
Here are Chicago’s options with that No. 1 overall selection:
His play this season has inspired a bit more confidence in his capabilities moving forward. However, has it been enough to tip the scales in his favor?
The NFC North franchise could keep their young quarterback and try to build upon the momentum established over the past several weeks.
In that scenario, they could either select the best non-quarterback at No. 1 overall or trade out of the pick for the second consecutive year.
The defense, particularly, has shown a lot of promise over the second half of the season since acquiring Montez Sweat.
If the offense can catch up, the Bears should be able to rise quickly in a relatively open NFC. Chicago won five of their last eight games.
So, again, why would Chicago trade Justin Fields?
First, he was drafted by neither general manager Ryan Poles nor head coach Matt Eberflus. They do not have ties to the quarterback outside of the past year they have spent together.
Fields, who is nearing the end of his third season, was drafted No. 11 overall. He is through 60% of his rookie contract if it is assumed that the fifth-year option would be used.
