Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus had a big decision to make this offseason. Owning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they had the opportunity to select a new franchise quarterback if they didn’t believe Justin Fields was their guy.
Some analysts thought a trade centered around Fields would occur because he was selected by the old regime in 2021. But, instead of trading Fields, the Bears traded the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers. That meant the No. 1 goal this offseason in Chicago was upgrading the roster around Fields to help him develop and succeed.
That process started as part of the trade with the Panthers as the Bears acquired a bonafide No. 1 wide receiver in D.J. Moore. Tight end Robert Tonyan was signed in free agency to combine with Cole Kmet and the offensive line received a boost with the signing of guard Nate Davis.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright to further shore up an offensive line that surrendered 58 sacks last season. Texas running back Roshon Johnson was selected in the fourth round along with Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott.
With a much-improved supporting cast, it will now be on Fields to take his game to the next level. Early returns on his offseason work are very positive. According to Dov Kleiman on Twitter, the team is reporting that Fields is making real strides as a passer this offseason.
“In terms of the quick pass, drop-back pass, movement passes.”, according to coach Matt Eberflus.
That is a major development for the Bears as Fields has the tools to be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. Despite a non-existent passing game in 2022, the Bears still had the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL and Fields was a big part of that.
His legs are a major weapon, capable of ripping off a huge gain at any moment. But, for him and the Bears to reach that next level, he needed to make strides as a passer. Some of the issues certainly weren’t his fault, as the offensive line and weapons were lacking.
But, with some additions this offseason, the ball is now in Fields’ court to take that next step in his development. If the work and progress he is showcasing in the offseason carry over to the regular season, Chicago is going to surprise some people.
