The internal Chicago Bears argument continues unabated. Should the Bears select USC blue chip quarterback prospect Caleb Williams with their first overall pick in this year’s NFL draft instead of starting quarterback Justin Fields? Alternatively, should they bench Fields, use their two first-round selections (number one and nine) to surround him, and hope that his increased consistency and better field position will propel him to elite status?
When they fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, and running backs coach Omar Young last week, general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears front office already signaled their priority on offensive overhaul.
However, that doesn’t really address the topic of how they intend to handle the quarterback problem.
Fields May Produce the First Draft Pick
ESPN First Draft’s Mel Kiper Jr. is a big fan of selecting Williams and dealing the gifted but occasionally capricious Fields. The veteran NFL analyst thinks Chicago might earn a first round pick for Fields in this year’s draft, despite some opinions to the contrary.
There is a larger market for Fields since there are more teams looking for a top quarterback. Many believe Fields is only one or two adjustments away from being a highly effective franchise quarterback. His outstanding season-ending performance undoubtedly increased his trade worth.
The 7-10 Atlanta Falcons, whose patience with starting quarterback Desmond Ridder may have run out after just two seasons, could be one of those quarterback-hungry teams. It makes sense for the team to add a new quarterback who can steer the squad in a different direction along with the hiring of a new head coach.
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.”
Caleb Williams versus Justin Fields
Regarding Caleb Williams, Kiper believes that there is some risk involved in following him, but that there is also risk involved in remaining with Fields.
Amazing quarterback two years ago, then he had some problems starting truly with the Arizona game and the Notre Dame game, according to Kiper. But in the end, we conclude that “it’s an unknown with Caleb Williams” after looking at his entire body of work, fielding abilities with his arm talent, field vision, and instinctiveness as a quarterback. People claim that Justin Fields is well-known for it. No, it isn’t. Justin Fields’ (quarterback) ability to be a franchise is uncertain. It’s true that there are unknowns regarding Caleb. Justin doesn’t know either. I will thus reset the clock. I’m going to take Caleb Williams.
Ultimately, though, the expert believes that Williams’ decision to select Fields over Williams may have something to do with money. Fields will be entering his fourth season and just one season away from a costly fifth-year option that will require significant negotiating over an extension, while Williams will be starting his rookie contract.
