If you haven't read or heard enough about the Justin Fields debate…well, here's another opinion.
A former Bears player simplified the argument. Former tight end Greg Olsen recently penned his thoughts on the debate and wrote a response to Barstool Big Cat on X.
“No knock on Fields at all,” Olsen wrote. “Let’s assume that the top QB in the draft and Fields are exactly the same now and in the future. The tiebreaker is about starting the clock over before the QB has to be paid $50 million. Once the QB gets paid, he should be better able to cover up those holes. Most people can't. The elite can do it.”
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Not a single setback for Fields. Let's assume that the top QB in the draft and in Fields are exactly the same now and in the future. The tiebreaker is about starting the clock over before having to pay the QB $50 million. Once QB gets paid, he can cover up the gaps better. Most people can't. The Elite… https://t.co/qMfXP5mSCO
– Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) December 13, 2023
In fact, the Bears have the opportunity to exercise Fields' fifth-year option this offseason. Next season represents Fields' final season working under his cheap rookie deal, which gives the Bears just a $6.4 million cap hit next season.
However, if the Bears decide to use their current No. 1 draft pick on a quarterback of their choice, they can reset the quarterback contract clock and trade Fields. This quarterback will be on a rookie deal for four seasons before the Bears will theoretically have to pay a hefty price for this hypothetical signal-caller.
The other benefit that comes with signing a quarterback and not paying Fields to a new contract or fifth-year extension is that Ryan Poles and the front office can use that money for other roster needs. The offensive line, edge rushers, wide receivers, etc. can all be upgraded at quarterback with the savings of a new rookie contract.
On the other hand, potential is no guarantee of results. Although Fields is a question mark at the position, he has a proven track record of excellence. This season in particular, Fields has significantly increased his pocket presence and his rushing abilities merely complement his passing abilities rather than dominating them.
Unfortunately, Fields suffered a thumb injury that sidelined him for four weeks and cost him and the Bears crucial games to evaluate him. Still, he played well in his return, leading the Bears to a win over the division-leading Lions. He also has four more games left this season in which he will have to demonstrate his ability as a signal-caller.
The Poles said this last year, and it was also reported this season, that the Poles will need to be “blown away” by the new quarterback class to move past Fields. Will his tolerance for Fields decrease knowing he can reset the quarterback contract clock?
We'll know the answer soon enough as the NFL offseason is just around the corner.
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