Quarterback CJ Stroud of the Houston Texans has weighed in on the decision facing the Chicago Bears between Justin Fields and the No. 1 pick. Stroud was asked by a reporter if the Bears should keep Fields for the next season, to which he responded, “They should if they’re smart, but you know…” The reporter made a small dig at the Bears’ history of struggling with quarterbacks, to which Stroud laughed and replied, “You said it, not me.”
Chicago had the opportunity to draft Stroud with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, but they chose to trade that selection to the Carolina Panthers. This move now looks legitimate as wide receiver DJ Moore had a great season while partnered with Fields, and the Panthers’ 2024 pick became the No. 1 selection. However, the Bears could have used their top pick last year to draft Stroud, who ended up being the Rookie of the Year and leading the Texans to the playoffs.
Ironically, Chicago’s decision to pass on Stroud in 2023 has put pressure on general manager Ryan Poles to draft quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick in April. Williams has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and passing on him could be the downfall of the current regime in Chicago, especially considering they also passed on Stroud in favor of Fields the year before.
JUSTIN FIELDS’ FUTURE WITH THE CHICAGO BEARS IN JEOPARDY
GettyQuarterback Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears.
The Chicago Bears face a difficult decision regarding their quarterback situation. While Justin Fields has shown promise, he has not lived up to the expectations of an NFL passer. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Bears will soon have to make a choice. Fields is set to become expensive, with a potential price tag of $45 or $50 million per year.
In contrast, there is another option on the table – drafting a quarterback with the top pick, presumably Williams. Williams is highly regarded across the league as a can’t-miss prospect. By selecting him, the Bears would secure a cost-controlled rookie deal for the next four seasons. They would also have a fifth-year team option and a first-round draft pick.
The key advantage of choosing Williams is the financial aspect. Even if Williams performs at the same level as Fields in his first three years, the Bears would save a significant amount of money. This would allow the front office to strengthen the team on both offense and defense. Williams would have an excellent opportunity to succeed as a young quarterback in the NFL.
Unfortunately for Fields, the circumstances have not favored him in Chicago. However, there is still hope for a fresh start. The Bears could potentially trade him and recoup a second-round pick. Meanwhile, Fields would have the chance to prove himself with a new franchise at the age of 25.
Max Dible provides coverage on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Golden State Warriors for [Tabloid Name].
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