Bears’ Kevin Warren Determined to Make Unbiased Decision on Justin Fields Rumors

Joseph Zucker (@JosephZucker)
Included Columnist IV
November 30, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Justin Fields # 1 of the Chicago Bears stands throughout the national anthem prior to an NFL football game versus the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 27, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears have not figured out Justin Fields’ long-term fate in the Windy City, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

Russini reported on The Herd with Colin Cowherd and reported group president Kevin Warren is “really trying to take that time to look at all of it, the quarterback, the coaching staff, and really try to make an unemotional decision.”

The Bears are on track to have the No. 1 overall choice in the 2024 NFL draft, leading many to question whether the group will carry on from Fields and in favor of USC star Caleb Williams.

There was the hope Fields had turned a corner midway through the 2022 season. He had become a dynamic runner and more efficient passer. Perhaps the Bears had their franchise quarterback.

Rather, Fields has been limited to 8 starts thanks to a thumb injury, and his development on the field is reversing. He has thrown for 1,587 yards, 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, and his 44.5 QBR ranks 23rd in the league.

The issue with the third-year signal-caller is that he’s almost a living Rorschach test.

In the 2 starts before he got hurt, Fields enjoyed a pair of poor defenses and had 617 passing yards and 8 touchdowns versus the Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders. Upon returning, he threw for 169 yards and a score while running for 104 yards as Chicago nearly upset the Detroit Lions.

Are those performances a sign of Fields’ true skill level and worth? Or is a better barometer his unsteady start to the year together with Monday’s 12-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings?

Fields threw for 217 yards on 37 attempts in Week 12 as the Bears prepared pass receiver screen after pass receiver screen. He directed Chicago on the game-winning drive inside the last minute, but a better QB might have had the team comfortably ahead already.
Jacob Infante @jacobinfante24
I don’t understand where Justin Fields will be playing QB in 2024. But whether it’s with the #Bears or it’s elsewhere, I hope his next coaching staff utilizes him much better than this. pic.twitter.com/Gu70hpJES9

And yet, even that raised the concern that Fields is simply being pull down by his coaching. Possibly he’d flourish in a more daring plan and one customized to his strengths.

Where some see a lost cause, other may see a player who at 24 continues to have untapped potential.

Must they end up with the No. 1 choice, this could ultimately end up being a pretty simple decision for the Bears if they’re going to take the practical approach.

The cost of passing on Williams would outweigh the risk in giving up on Fields and seeing him succeed elsewhere. Read More

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