The Chicago Bears have a big decision to make at quarterback this offseason — run it back with Justin Fields or start over with a rookie, presumably top prospect Caleb Williams.
It’s a topic that’s already been exhausted — and it’s only February — but expect all of the rumors, speculation and discussion to continue until the Bears ultimately make a decision.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he explained the belief around the league is Chicago will draft Williams with the first overall pick.
“There are a few issues with this,” Schefter said. “Number one, are the Bears going to be willing to move on from taking Caleb Williams, which I believe seems to be the widespread consensus around the league: that Caleb Williams will be the No. 1 pick. And if they ARE willing to move on from him, then you have to like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels enough — or Justin Fields.
“But again, the feeling around the league seems to be that they’ll wind up trading Justin. Whether or not they do, we’ll see, but that seems to be the feeling.”
BANG pic.twitter.com/10KFkgwvUF
— ْ (@jusbryson) February 5, 2024
Schefter explained that it’s still early in the process, and even general manager Ryan Poles hinted that he’d be taking the decision up to April during his end-of-year press conference. Still, if the Bears stand pat at No. 1, Schefter thinks the pick would have to be Williams.
There’s definitely an appeal to both sides — drafting Williams first overall or trading the top pick. If Chicago believes in Fields, they could trade the selection for an insane haul (and there would be numerous takers). But if the Bears want to start over with Williams, and he lives up to the hype, he might finally break the quarterback curse in Chicago.