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First things first, Fields' future is in
question with the Bears holding the coveted top overall pick in
the 2024 NFL Draft. Southern California quarterback Caleb
Williams very well could be that choice, which could set the
ball rolling for Fields' departure from the Windy City.
"I can't see myself playing in another place," Fields said. "If
it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the
city. The city's lit. The fans there, they're great."
Fields, however, is aware that there are more factors in play.
"Whatever happens, happens," Fields said. "I feel like the
biggest thing going on with this right now is I just want it to
be over. Just let me know if I'm getting traded, let me know if
I'm staying."
Fields also addressed his decision to unfollow the Bears on
social media.
"Why do people take social media so serious?" Fields said. "I
still mess with the Bears, this and that. I'm just trying to
take a little break (from football content). I unfollowed the
Bears and the NFL. I'm just trying to not have football on my
timeline."
So, let's examine Chicago's options.
Should the Bears keep the pick, they could choose a quarterback,
just three years after using the No. 11 overall selection of the
2021 NFL Draft on Fields.
The Bears would have options at quarterback should they choose
to trade Fields, who is 10-28 as a starter but showed
improvement in 2023, and start fresh at the position. In
addition to Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, the Bears
could take 2023 recipient Jayden Daniels of LSU or North
Carolina's Drake Maye.
The Bears also own the No. 9 pick in the draft.
Fields, who turns 25 on March 5, missed four games last season
due to injury and had a 5-8 record. Still, he set career highs
for completion percentage (61.4) and passing yards (2,562) and
added 16 touchdowns and a career-low nine interceptions. He
engineered three game-winning drives.
He added 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2023, a season
after gaining 1,143 rushing yards and scoring eight times.
The draft is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit.
--Field Level Media
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