During this NFL offseason, the long-anticipated move finally came to fruition for Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, as they made the decision to trade quarterback Justin Fields, opening the path for Caleb Williams, the highly touted projected No. 1 overall pick, to take the reins for the foreseeable future.
The inevitability of this decision was apparent from the moment the Bears secured the top pick in the draft. While understandably difficult for Bears fans to accept, it was a move endorsed by many analysts, including former quarterback Phil Simms.
In a discussion on The Ross Tucker Podcast, Simms offered his analysis of both quarterbacks, highlighting Fields’ issues in the 2023 season while also lauding the potential of Williams.
“Just not a good processor…I watch the tape and there are people wide open everywhere…Caleb Williams clearly a better passer of the football.”
Simms acknowledged Fields’ late-season progress, noting that he showed glimpses of promise in the latter part of the 2023 campaign. However, despite these flashes of brilliance, it wasn’t enough to sway the Bears’ decision to part ways with another consecutive No. 1 pick.
Fields’ statistics from the previous season reflect a mixed performance, with 2,562 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 games. Notably, his running game appeared subdued, as he predominantly operated from the pocket, showcasing a more traditional approach to quarterbacking.
With the trade, Justin Fields now finds himself in a position to learn and develop under the mentorship of Russell Wilson with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Meanwhile, Williams steps into an advantageous situation, surrounded by formidable talent in wide receivers Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore, along with the support of another top-10 draft pick.
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