In a resurfaced interview, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud believes the Chicago Bears would be better off keeping former Ohio State teammate Justin Fields as the team’s starting quarterback rather than dealing him and drafting Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.
The Bears have the first overall choice in April’s NFL Draft. Williams is almost certainly going to be the first overall pick. The only question is if Chicago picks the former USC standout or another team trades into that position.
Stroud and Fields shared the Buckeyes’ quarterback room for one season in 2020, with Stroud acting as Fields’ backup during Ohio State’s drive to the national championship.
Both Fields and Stroud were first-round draft picks, with varying degrees of success. Stroud recently won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award following a successful rookie season with the Texans.
Fields has been the Bears’ primary starter for the previous three seasons, yet the team has yet to win more than seven games in a single season with him leading the offense. Fields has received little assistance from Chicago’s entire roster during this time period.
For more than a year, the Bears have been connected to picking Williams first overall. Chicago received the pick from the Panthers last year.
Chicago will most likely have to make a decision on Fields by March 13, when the NFL’s free-agent signing period begins. The Bears would have to spend for either retaining their quarterback or for Williams’ massive rookie deal.
Moving on from Fields would reset Chicago’s quarterback timeline and provide the rebuilding organization with more of a safety net as it seeks to assemble an elite roster around its quarterback.
The Bears’ top draft needs do not include a quarterback, but not picking Williams may delay the inevitable if Fields cannot lead the team to playoff success in the coming years.
Fields has shown glimpses of being a terrific NFL quarterback while also appearing disoriented with the football in his hands. This inconsistency has led to the current crossroads.
CJ Stroud was asked if the #Bears should keep Justin Fields for next season… listen to his answer:
“They should if they’re smart but you know…”
(H/T: @DrakeMayeMVP)
pic.twitter.com/38Qg5I4YLh— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 20, 2024
Several teams would be pleased to secure Williams’ talents, notably the Washington Commanders, who have the second overall pick.
Williams is a Washington, DC native and one of the most accomplished high school football players in history.
With the Commanders being under new ownership, making the bold decision to sign the best quarterback prospect in the NFL draft, who is also a local product, would be a major win for the team.
The Bears are well aware of this, and the team’s decision to move on from Fields is imminent.
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