The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a potentially franchise-altering offseason, where they’re expected to have roughly $100 million in salary cap and the first overall pick in the NFL draft.
But the one downside to having the No. 1 pick is having to deal with those hot takes arguing why the Bears should move on from Justin Fields and draft a quarterback. Unfortunately, it’s a topic of conversation that will continue until the NFL draft and possibly even into the regular season.
Fields emerged as one of the league’s most electrifying players last season, made even more impressive considering the roster around him. Fields discovered his elite speed and athleticism that opened up a new element of Chicago’s offense, and it’s something for him to build on heading into a crucial offseason.
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick doesn’t see any reason why the Bears would choose to move on from Fields at this point.
“I think absolutely the Bears should stick with Justin Fields,” Vick said, via NBC Sports Chicago, at the Super Bowl. “Good quarterbacks are hard to find. You got a guy who just ran for 1,000 yards. If you bring in a passing game coordinator – he’s another quarterback who was in his first year in the system. That second year is paramount throughout the offseason to learn what needs to happen.
“I think they are a step ahead of the curve right now. They just got to make Justin a better passer and get an offense around him that can really help him take it to the next level.”
Does Fields need to improve as a passer? Absolutely. Could he also benefit from some help at offensive line and wide receiver? Definitely.
When you look at how other teams have built around their young quarterbacks — especially the Philadelphia Eagles, who are playing in the Super Bowl — it becomes a blueprint for GM Ryan Poles to help maximize Fields’ potential.
With Fields heading into his third season — his second in the same system — and the expectation of a better roster around him, expectations are high for Fields and what he can accomplish, particularly in the passing game in 2023.
