In the lead-up to the unexpected trade that sent quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round pick on Saturday night, speculation abounded regarding Chicago’s options amidst the lackluster market for the 2021 first-round pick.
As the initial frenzy of quarterback movement in free agency made it increasingly challenging to identify a team willing to acquire Fields as a potential starter, it appeared the Bears might have to bide their time.
Numerous teams will be seeking quarterbacks in the first round of the draft, potentially leaving some without their desired choice. In the brief window between rounds one and two, an opportunity might arise for a more enticing offer than a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Similar prospects could emerge later in the 2024 draft. If the Bears were ultimately open to trading Fields for a 2025 pick, why not wait until after the 2024 draft? After the dust settles, teams may realize they need the position.
Another option was retaining Fields for the 2024 season. Considering the prevalence of quarterback injuries last year, accommodating both Fields and Caleb Williams could have led to a more favorable return if/when a starter elsewhere suffered an injury.
Furthermore, if no trade partner materialized before the deadline (which could extend to as late as Week 10 this year), retaining Fields for the season and receiving a compensatory draft pick superior to a sixth-round pick in 2026 upon his departure as a free agent in 2025 was a possibility.
Perhaps the Bears aimed to do Fields a favor were indifferent to the prospect of another unfavorable trade with the Steelers in under two years (having given up what essentially became a first-round pick for receiver Chase Claypool in 2022), or simply sought to resolve the ongoing debate among local fans over Fields versus Williams.
Now, with Fields out of the picture, the Bears must rely on Caleb Williams’ performance in 2024 and hope that Fields either struggles or sees limited playing time.
