Chicago Bears Face An Important Decision For The 2024 NFL Draft

by Benji FerraroFebruary 26, 2024, 9:31 pmNews, Opinion >

The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads as the 2024 NFL Draft inches closer.

Their current quarterback, Justin Fields, has shown flashes of promise since he was drafted 11th overall in 2021. In his sophomore season, Fields rushed for 1,143 yards, becoming only the third quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.

However, the Bears have never made the playoffs in Fields’ three years with the team. He also has thrown 30 interceptions and fumbled 16 times in his career, showing there is a downside to Fields’ occasional dynamic play.

The Bears also happen to have the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, which means that the franchise is at another critical juncture: keep the promising quarterback you already have, or start from scratch with a brand new man under center?

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Caleb Williams, the star gunslinger out of USC, is widely considered to be the best prospect in this year’s draft. He has poise in the pocket, can create improvise under heavy pressure from defenses and is simply enthralling to watch.

Recently, Williams has been back in the news cycle for not hiring an agent. Some NFL analysts are concerned that the prospect is going to have a more difficult time defending himself from criticism and convincing teams to select him. It will be interesting to see if this news will factor in the Bears’ eventual decision.

If the Bears decide to move on from Fields, there are plenty of teams that are possibly looking at an upgrade at the quarterback position. That includes the Falcons, Vikings, Patriots, Browns, Titans, Raiders and Commanders just to list some potential suitors. That haul that Chicago could receive in a hypothetical Fields trade could further help fill holes in the team’s roster.

What the Bears will do before or during the draft will likely have long-term ramifications for their franchise. It will be interesting to see what unfolds for one of the NFL’s most historic organizations.