Sep 11, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears are facing a big quarterback decision this offseason, and general manager Ryan Poles on Wednesday dropped a clear hint about which way the team is leaning.
The Bears essentially have to decide between sticking with former first-round pick Justin Fields or using the No. 1 pick on one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. Poles said Wednesday that the Bears believe Fields can lead the team, but due to their “unique situation,” everything is on the table and the organization is in the process of “information gathering.”
#Bears GM Ryan Poles on Justin Fields "We're in information gathering mode right now…Justin got better, he can lead this team, at the same time there's a unique situation and we have to look at everything. " @GNSportsTV @WGNNews
— Kaitlin Sharkey (@KRoseSharkey) January 10, 2024
This certainly makes it sound like the Bears are not confident enough in Fields to ignore the availability of someone like Caleb Williams. If they were dealing with a weaker quarterback class, it may be that they stick with Fields, but with Williams or Drake Maye on the table, they sound inclined to take a chance and go for what they see as an upgrade.
In 13 games this year, Fields threw for 2,562 yards, rushed for 657 more, and passed and rushed for 20 total touchdowns. He has the support of his Bears teammates, but there remain questions about his consistency. There is certainly reason for Chicago to consider keeping him, but if they see Williams as a generational talent that they can develop into a better quarterback, the choice seems to be clear.