Bears quarterback Justin Fields dazzled the Soldier Field crowd in what could’ve very well been his final home game Sunday against the Falcons.
Chicago also secured the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on that same day, which puts Fields’ future in question. There are some who believe the Bears should draft Caleb Williams with the top selection and others who believe Chicago should build around Fields and trade the pick for a haul for a second straight year.
Bears fans made their opinion clear during Sunday’s game when “We want Fields” chants broke out at Soldier Field.
And, rest assured, Bears fans, Fields heard you.
“Chicago Bears fans, definitely No. 1 in the world,” Fields said after the game. “Just know I love you all. We love you all as a team. … I’ve made a big emphasis on living in the present. I’ll definitely remember this game for the rest of my life.”
Not sure if you can hear it in the video but Big “We Want Fields” chants from the crowd #Bears pic.twitter.com/bPhm4OSlla
— Don (@BDR374) December 31, 2023
Ultimately, it’ll be general manager Ryan Poles making the all-important decision about Fields’ future and Chicago’s direction at the quarterback position.
On the one hand, Poles could trade the No. 1 pick for the second straight year and get an even bigger haul than what he got last year (which included DJ Moore, Darnell Wright (No. 10) and the No. 1 pick this year). But Poles could also be really high on Williams (or another rookie quarterback) and want to build around him.
Poles will do his due diligence when it comes to evaluating all quarterbacks — be it Fields or any of the incoming rookie draft prospects.
For what it’s worth, Fields has the support of his teammates and fans. We’ll have to see if Poles feels the same during what’s shaping up to be an intriguing draft process.