Vikings Rivals Commit to Their Young QB1

Vikings Rivals Will Commit to Their Young QB1
Jan 1, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) scrambles out of the pocket against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more fascinating teams to watch heading into the 2023 offseason is the Chicago Bears. Not only do they have the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, but they also have the most cap space after the official salary cap for 2023 was announced earlier in the week.

A major topic of discussion, as in seemingly every offseason, regards the Bears QB position. On Wednesday, the Vikings rivals confirmed that they will commit to their young QB and 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields. The news was relayed by Dov Kleiman after being reported by Albert Breer:

Throughout the first two years of Fields’ career, Chicago has not been competitive in the NFL landscape by any means. In the 25 games he’s started, the Bears are a grand total of 5-20. That being said, much of the blame for Chicago’s struggles can be blamed on the talent around Fields.

Especially in 2022, the Bears defense was torn down from its prior glory of the late 2010s, trading both Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn during 2022. Overall, Chicago’s defense finished last in points allowed as well as 29th in yards allowed en route to a 3-14 record.

Dec 4, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) looks on in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, Fields himself hasn’t been dynamic as a passer by any means, but over the course of his second NFL season, he looked much more comfortable as the QB1. In all, over his first two seasons, Fields has thrown for 4112 yards, 27 TDs, and 21 INTs while completing 59.7% of his passes.

Those numbers by themselves are pretty underwhelming, but they don’t tell the whole story over Fields’ first 27 games as an NFL player. He’s also added 1563 yards and 10 TDs as a rusher, including 1143 yards and 8 TDs in 2022.

Dec 12, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) rushes for nine yards in the second quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

If the Bears do in fact trade down from the first overall pick (I think they could trade twice), they’ll be able to get a boatload of picks from a QB needy team, especially considering Houston and Indianapolis could be in a battle for that top spot.

Dec 24, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

In all, the Bears probably won’t go from the No. 1 overall pick to being a Super Bowl contender. However, Chicago has the most assets of any team in the league between draft picks and salary cap space. Combine that with the Vikings defensive rebuild and the potential of an Aaron Rodgers trade, and the NFC North will be a fascinating division to watch as the offseason wears on.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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