NEWSLETTER
ESPN’s Adam Schefter told the Pat McAfee Show that there is a growing consensus among those in NFL circles that believe the Chicago Bears are taking Caleb Williams with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
And while doing so, Schefty also mentions the Bears trading Justin Fields as an offseason possibility. Here’s the clip (h/t Bears Wire):
“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.”
Before I dive into some nitty-gritty, let me get this out of the way while I can. Firstly, it isn’t earth-shattering news that signs appear to be pointing toward the Chicago Bears drafting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This is a possibility we’ve been discussing since October and has kicked up since Williams declared for the draft. As for Justin Fields, there hasn’t been much buzz about the Bears running it back with him in 2024. This isn’t to say that it can’t happen, but this quote from Bears GM Ryan Poles from the team’s season-ending press conference in January opened the door to Chicago seeking QB help elsewhere:
“We are in information-gathering mode right now. I think Justin got better. I do think he can lead this team, but we are in a unique situation…”
It was a game-changer as soon as Ryan Poles dropped that, but in *THAT* sentence.
If the Bears decide to draft a quarterback in April, I’ll look forward to watching their arc. There are few things as enjoyable as watching a rookie start their climb in the pros. But I imagine it would be infinitely more enjoyable if that arc is that of an honest-to-goodness franchise quarterback. Chicago football fans aren’t familiar with that feeling. But we sure know how it feels to be on the outside looking in, and it would be neat to try it out for a change. After all, we’re due for some good fortune at the quarterback position.
Can the Bears trade Justin Fields?
The arrival of a new quarterback would mean the departure of Justin Fields. It’ll be a bummer not to see Fields’ development through to its completion. But I understand the financial aspect of resetting the quarterback clock and the value it can bring if a general manager hits on the right QB and properly builds around them while on their rookie contract.
Dave Richard, who was covering the Senior Bowl for CBS Sports, shared a nugget from what he heard while on reporting duty. And I think it is worth sharing:
Enough people believe the Bears will hold on to the No. 1 pick and draft USC’s Caleb Williams, citing that it’s a better deal financially for them to have him on his rookie contract for as many as five years rather than extend Justin Fields. Folks think Fields will bring back a conditional draft pick that turns into a first-round pick in 2025 if Fields leads his new team to the playoffs.
Richard wasn’t the only one hearing those things. In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Matt Miller chimes in to say: “Everyone I spoke to at the Senior Bowl speculated that the Bears will draft Williams first overall and then trade starting quarterback Justin Fields for a package potentially centered around a second-round pick.”
MORE: Justin Fields Trade Destinations Are Starting to Pop Up
In the end, it’s not just that NFL reporters are talking among each other and coming to the conclusion that the Bears will (1) hold on to the top pick, (2) draft Caleb Williams, and (3) trade Justin Fields. But it is also that we’re starting to hear whispers about potential compensation. It’s one thing for friends to yuck it up and pitch trade ideas. But it’s another to hear it from the NFL beat. So, we’ll continue watching this evolve with great interest.
To be clear, probably a ways away from ironing out trade details. However, the Senior Bowl is a place where all 32 NFL teams are in the same place at the same time. Hence, it makes sense that some league-wide chatter will surface. But it also points us to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis later this month being another place where rumors will pop up. So keep your head on a swivel if you want to be in tune with the rumor mill.
