Justin Fields could have the biggest impact on the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bears, who own the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, must decide whether to build around Fields, who has been inconsistent, or draft a quarterback with the No. 1 pick and send the Ohio State player elsewhere. There is.
There are believed to be three potential elite QBs in this year's draft: USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jaden Daniels.
What the Bears should do will be debated ad nauseam leading up to the draft, but it's even more important now that the season is over.
NBC's Peter King wrote: He said the Bears could “ransom” the pick and expects Bears general manager Ryan Pauls to eventually trade the pick.
But he said it was too early to say with certainty.
The Poles did not hold back on Sunday.
“We're coming in from a position of strength and will continue to keep an open mind and consider all options,” general manager Pauls said on ESPN 1000. Transcription by ESPN. “I’m excited about the opportunity.”
Star receiver DJ Moore, who signed with the Panthers as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, said he brought up Fields' name during his farewell press conference.
“He's the quarterback for the Chicago Bears unless something else happens, and I don't think that's going to change anytime soon,” Moore said. “It would be great (if Fields stayed). Nobody really wants to start over. [with a rookie quarterback] And we'll have another losing season, or [it’s like] Joe Burrow? There may be seasons like that. you never know. That's hit or miss.
“We'll have to wait and see.”
Fields has not lived up to expectations since being selected No. 11 in the 2021 draft, so the Bears will need to weigh their options to use or trade this pick.
Fields has proven to be an elite runner alongside Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts, but his passing numbers still leave a lot of room for improvement.
The Bears have gone just 16-35 in Fields' three seasons, with this year's 7-10 record being their best with Fields leading the way.
Fields has 40 career touchdowns and 30 interceptions.
Sunday's road game against the Packers was a chance for Fields to make one final statement, but he failed.
Fields completed 11 of 16 passes for 148 yards in the 17-9 loss, but did not have a touchdown drive.
One of the drawbacks to Fields is his inability to beat teams with his arm, and he did little on Sunday with the Packers shutting down running lanes.
“That decision is out of my hands,” Fields said after Sunday's game, according to ESPN. “The only thing I can control is what I did. I gave it my all. Whether I'm here or not, I have no regrets.”
