Quarterback Justin Fields talked about his future and his past during Wednesday’s appearance on the podcast hosted by Chicago Bears teammate Equanimeous St. Brown and his brother, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
First things first, Fields’ future is in question with the Bears holding the coveted top overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams very well could be that choice, which could set the ball rolling for Fields’ departure from the Windy City.
“I can’t see myself playing in another place,” Fields said. “If it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city’s lit. The fans there, they’re great.”
Fields, however, is aware that there are more factors in play.
“Whatever happens, happens,” Fields said. “I feel like the biggest thing going on with this right now is I just want it to be over. Just let me know if I’m getting traded, let me know if I’m staying.”
Fields also addressed his decision to unfollow the Bears on social media.
“Why do people take social media so serious?” Fields said. “I still mess with the Bears, this and that. I’m just trying to take a little break (from football content). I unfollowed the Bears and the NFL. I’m just trying to not have football on my timeline.”
So, let’s examine Chicago’s options.
Should the Bears keep the pick, they could choose a quarterback, just three years after using the No. 11 overall selection of the 2021 NFL Draft on Fields.
The Bears would have options at quarterback should they choose to trade Fields, who is 10-28 as a starter but showed improvement in 2023, and start fresh at the position. In addition to Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, the Bears could take 2023 recipient Jayden Daniels of LSU or North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
The Bears also own the No. 9 pick in the draft.
Fields, who turns 25 on March 5, missed four games last season due to injury and had a 5-8 record. Still, he set career highs for completion percentage (61.4) and passing yards (2,562) and added 16 touchdowns and a career-low nine interceptions. He engineered three game-winning drives.
He added 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2023, a season after gaining 1,143 rushing yards and scoring eight times.
The draft is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit.
–Field Level Media
