LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – When asked about his uncertain future as the Bears’ starting quarterback, Justin Fields spoke eloquently on Wednesday.
With five games remaining in the season and the Bears in line for a top-two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s unclear if Fields can do enough to persuade general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus that he’s the long-term solution at quarterback in Chicago.
While Fields plans to face the uncertainty with an admirable perspective that reflects the direction the wind is blowing, wide receiver DJ Moore was unequivocal about Fields’ future in Chicago.
“I didn’t know that,” Moore said Thursday at Halas Hall, when asked about Fields’ position on his future. “If he feels that way, there’s not much you can do but go out there and be yourself, and he’s a dynamic player, dynamic quarterback.” We need him here. I’ve had a fantastic year with him, so that should speak for itself. “At the end of the day, just leave what they do upstairs, upstairs.”
Moore has caught 70 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. Moore has caught 50 passes for 792 yards and six touchdowns in Fields’ eight starts.
Moore would have 106 catches, 1,683 yards, and 13 touchdowns if those numbers were extrapolated over a 17-game season with a healthy Fields.
Moore and Fields have worked hard to develop their chemistry since Moore arrived in Chicago in March. Those long offseason hours spent mowing grass and getting to know one another away from the field have paid off.
“He’s a great player from the top down,” Fields said of Moore on Wednesday. “Of course, everyone knows he’s a great player; he’s been over 1,000 yards for who knows how long.” Great players, even better people, and even better teammates. That’s the type of guy he is.
He walked in, was a little quiet – this and that – but he’s always been the same. Of course, the more you get to know him and talk to him, the more he opens up and becomes an open book. I like him as a teammate, I like him as a person, and he’s just a great guy to have on the team.”
For the majority of the season, Fields and Moore have been an ideal pairing. The Bears believed that adding a top-tier wide receiver would help Fields develop as a passer. While high-level consistency has been lacking, Fields has made strides during a crucial third season.
“The big thing, from Year 1 and 2, he made big strides is what I’m hearing and what I’m seeing out there with his passes, his decision making,” Fields was quoted as saying by Moore. “Year 3 is most likely the most critical year.” I’m sure it was for me. I took the plunge. It was like that, and I had whatever you want to say about it. He’s still young, so he’ll continue to develop and improve.”
Moore wishes to have that with him in Chicago. But he has no control over that. With five games remaining, Fields could be out as well.
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