Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards has drawn comparisons between quarterback Justin Fields and old Philadelphia Eagles teammate Jalen Hurts.
Edwards, 26, played alongside Hurts at the Eagles between 2020 and 2022 helping Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl, which they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, before joining his hometown club, the Bears, this year on a three-year deal.
Both Hurts, 24, and Fields, 24, are considered among the best quarterbacks in the NFL but Edwards believes the pair are similar in lots of ways. "One thing with Jalen (Hurts) was he was always just kind of calm and collected," Edwards said on SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier this week.
"That's why we looked to him so much, just because he was always that calming factor. You do see similarities with (Justin) Fields. He doesn't seem to get rattled out there in terms of when we're mixing up looks on him and stuff like that."
Last season, Hurts set career highs in completion percentage, passing touchdowns, and passer rating, placing his output behind only Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes. Hurts' exploits saw him pen a mega new deal with the Eagles worth $255 million with contract incentives, and $110m of that guaranteed.
Fields, meanwhile, threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, however, the Bears lost 13 of its final 14 games last year. Edwards is backing Fields to improve this year, though. "Dude's got such a strong arm, and he's been very accurate just about this entire OTAs and minicamp," Edwards said.
"It's exciting to see, especially since he doesn't really add in the leg factor when we're just in helmets and things like that. So, I'm really excited to play with a guy like that, a guy who can make all the plays who can also lead this team. He's definitely the guy. It's exciting to be around, no doubt."
According to ESPN, the Bears are hoping that Fields makes significant strides in his decision-making in his third. The Bears also recently brought in Michael Vick to work with Fields. Vicks has talked up the Bears thrower and believes he has a high ceiling.
“I think he’s a great player,” said Vick earlier this year. "I think Justin has a lot of room to grow. As a quarterback and in general, but growing in the passing game. Another year in the system, some weapons around you. You should be looking to build around him now.”
