The Chicago Bears have an important decision to make at quarterback this offseason — stick with Justin Fields or start over with a rookie at No. 1 — and everyone seems to have an opinion.
That includes Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave, who played with Fields at Ohio State.
Smith-Njigba and Olave have seen Fields’ talent up close, and they know how good he can be in the NFL. If the Bears opted to trade Fields, they believe that would be a big mistake.
“That’s on them,” Smith-Njigba told NBC Sports Chicago at the Super Bowl. “I mean, shhhhh, that’s on them. If they do that, I say good for Justin, honestly. He’s a QB1. An NFL quarterback. So if that’s what they want to do, then I guess that’s fine.”
Smith-Njigba sang Fields’ praises for his playmaking ability and leadership qualities, which he believes have been a big part of the Bears’ success.
“I think what we have seen is just his competitive nature, just him going out there making unorthodox plays when the pocket collapses,” Smith-Njigba said. “We see him, you know, tunnel vision, make plays, and just the competitiveness. He’s a winner. To me, when I watch the Chicago Bears, that’s what I see – him trying to win. That’s what you expect from Justin. That’s what Justin brings to the table, a winning attitude, and I know he can get things done.”
Olave has been impressed with how Fields has handled the negativity that’s come his way being QB1 in one of the NFL’s biggest markets.
“Just what he’s dealt with. A lot of negativity. A lot of bash,” Olave said. “I’m excited. He’s one of the most talented players I played with. I know he’s one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, so I’m excited for what they build around him.”
Granted, that would mean Chicago would pass up on the opportunity to draft Caleb Williams, who many believe is a generational talent. The expectation is the Bears draft Williams and trade Fields. But Olave warned Chicago would regret the decision to trade Fields.
“If they do that, that’s on them,” Olave said. “That’s on them.”