The Chicago Bears have a big decision to make in the next three months or so. Do they stick with Justin Fields at quarterback and trade the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft, or do they use that pick on a quarterback and trade Fields to get some value for him?
After three pro seasons, Fields, who was the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft, has failed to show any meaningful development or improvement. His completion percentage has only gone up marginally since his rookie year, and this season he managed to throw for just 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns.
While analyst Mel Kiper said the Bears could possibly get a first-round pick in return for Fields, Colin Cowherd said not so fast. According to Cowherd, a second-round pick would be an outstanding haul for him, and the commentator even called him “a more athletic Desmond Ridder.”
As Cowherd pointed out, this season Fields didn’t really have any excuses. He had the benefit of a very good wide receiver in D.J. Moore, who had 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns, as well as a solid tight end in Cole Kmet.
Traditionally, a QB’s third season is when things should seriously start falling into place for him if he is to ever become good or great. At this point, the Bears and their fans have to realize the cold hard truth that Fields simply isn’t any better than mediocre.
"Right now, he's a more athletic Desmond Ridder."
— @ColinCowherd says why he wouldn't trade a first round pick for Justin Fields pic.twitter.com/tJSmEDLn20
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 17, 2024
With the No. 1 pick, Chicago could go with Caleb Williams, the University of Southern California signal-caller who is considered by most to be the top prospect in this year’s draft. If it isn’t impressed with his intangibles or how he conducts himself during the interview at the draft combine, it could opt for someone such as Drake Mays or Jayden Daniels.
The Bears haven’t had a certifiably great quarterback since Sid Luckman, and that was some 80 years ago. They and their long-suffering fans are past-due for one who can carry them, at the very least, deep in the playoffs year after year.
