The Chicago Bears had a really tough 2022 season, going 3-14 and ending the campaign on a 10-game losing streak. However, throughout all the doom and gloom, there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel with quarterback Justin Fields.
Fields showed some major strides during his second season in the NFL despite less-than-ideal circumstances. Chicago seemingly did everything in their power to ensure he didn’t get the help he needed to succeed but he didn’t let that slow him down.
The Ohio State product showcased that he is one of the most dynamic players in the entire league. He has a unique blend of athleticism, strength and speed that he uses to his advantage when the ball is in his hands as a ball carrier.
Fields fell just short of Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record of 1,206 yards for a quarterback. In 15 games, Fields gained 1,143 yards on 160 carries, scoring eight touchdowns. He was a force on the ground, making up for his deficiencies in the passing game.
While he improved across the board in passing stats, there is still plenty of work to do in that area. Upgrading the talent around Fields would be ideal, as he plays behind an underwhelming offensive line and is lacking high-end talent at the skill positions.
However, there is a chance his next step of development won’t come in Chicago. There have been some rumors that the Bears could look to trade Fields this offseason and use the No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback that the new regime can call their own.
While general manager Ryan Poles has downplayed trading Fields and said they would have to be blown away, that isn’t the impression people got at the Senior Bowl. According to Jason La Canfora of Audacy, multiple general managers came out of the Senior Bowl “fairly convinced” that Fields will be traded.
That would certainly send shockwaves throughout the NFL. Numerous teams would line up for Fields, believing they have the infrastructure in place to help get the most out of him. It would be interesting to see what he is capable of playing behind a good offensive line or with elite weapons around him at wide receiver.
A few teams around the league in search of a quarterback would be able to provide him with that atmosphere. If a team is willing to part with a first or second-round pick, Fields could be acquired in the coming weeks.
