Chicago Bears are being lauded for their efforts to build a star-studded team for the 2024 NFL season. However, as they are busy building a system around their No.1 overall pick Caleb Williams, Texans QB CJ Stroud has voiced serious questions for the franchise over their recent moves.
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Stroud feels glad for Caleb Williams, and appreciates the support he is receiving from the Chicago Bears. Yet, he is puzzled why the Bears management didn’t back their former QB, Justin Fields, during his three seasons as a starter.
CJ Stroud is just as confused as many Chicago Bears fans. “Why couldn’t they do that for Justin” It looks like Caleb will have far more structure and talent to work with. I’m really excited for our offense. Bittersweet thinking about all the hell Fields been through. pic.twitter.com/UxyInHduF6
— Black Ditka (@LostHebrew_Dre) April 26, 2024
Stroud in a recent interview stated that Fields wasn’t bad, instead he was young and skilled for the starter role at Chicago. The issue was Justin Fields didn’t have a strong offense to display his talents, unlike Caleb Williams now has. The Texan QB stated,
“So they’re giving Caleb Williams the shot to figure it out with structure and stability, which are left for him. But that just confused me that they wouldn’t do that for Justin, because I think Justin never had a bad season.”
In his three years with the Bears, Justin Fields had a tough time, winning only 10 out of 28 games. He threw for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. The numbers aren’t great, but it’s clear the Bears’ offense wasn’t strong during that time.
However, things are looking up for the team now that they’ve landed star QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL draft. Plus, they have got star players like WR DJ Moore, WR Keenan Allen, RB D’Andre Swift, and TE Cole Kmet. With this strong lineup, Williams has a winning team behind him, something the Bears couldn’t provide for Fields.
NFL World Responds to Justin Fields Snub
I think it’s pretty simple. Ryan Pace sucked and drafted JF1 to save his job. Ryan Poles realized without fixing the entire roster they would never win. Also realized that JF1 rookie deal was running out of time.
— jeremy (@drjeremynft) April 26, 2024
Some also offered a seemingly practical perspective for the situation:
They didn’t have the resources to do it for Justin. They didn’t draft him
— Grant (@GmoneyCO) April 26, 2024
Not everyone agreed with Stroud’s take:
Fields didn’t throw the ball…held for too long, doesn’t matter who the receiver is.
— D`EL (@Leopold22) April 26, 2024
A different user mentioned,
Imagine this. Bears keep Justin Fields and draft Marvin Harrison and at #9: Odunze, or Bowers or best defensive player Or keep Fields and trade #1 pick for 2 first round picks so have Fields plus three first round draft picks. Justin Fields is very talented. Coaching and…
— Bill Carson (@bill2car) April 27, 2024
And then this user pointed out a glaring gap in Fields’ resume:
If Fields was so good, why didn’t the #Steelers pick up his 5th year? Why just a 6th rounder, why did have have the 2nd most turnovers in the 4th Quarter last year?
Calling out the coaching staff during the season wasn’t the smartest choice either.
— Ryan Steele (@wcrtchicago) April 26, 2024
It’s time to move forward as the Bears traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. But it’s unclear if Fields will start this season for the Steelers, as they also got veteran QB Russell Wilson, who’s eager for a comeback after two rough seasons with the Broncos. The 2024 season will be a battle for the starting QB spot between them. With just a year left on his contract, Fields needs to give his all to earn the trust of his team and fans.
