In the offseason, Chicago Bears starter Justin Fields could be a viable replacement for Deshaun Watson.
The Bears face an interesting offseason decision with Fields. The former Ohio State player was taken with the 11th overall choice in the 2021 draft. However, Chicago has the No. 1 overall pick, which is most likely USC standout quarterback Caleb Williams.
A panel of ESPN commentators and insiders was recently asked what move they would like to see this summer. Seth Walder petitioned the Browns to trade for Fields.
“I understand that this is a wild one. But, if I were the Browns, I would view Deshaun Watson as mostly a sunk expenditure and try to upgrade at quarterback. With no first-round pick and so much money already on Watson’s side, this would be difficult to accomplish,” Walder said. “But dealing a second- or third-round selection for Fields (who is still on his rookie contract) is an option, and I’d want to see him in Kevin Stefanski’s offence. The alternative is merely hope Watson improves and, if not, squandering another year with a great roster.”
Bears Have a Decision to Make With Justin Fields, the top pick
Field played in 13 games for the Bears last season. He threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He accumulated 657 yards and four more scores on the ground.
As Walder said, Fields is on his rookie contract, so he is unlikely to command a high price – at least at this moment. He has one year left on his deal, which might be extended for another season with his fifth-year option.
The question is whether Fields will even be available. The Bears could choose to keep him and find a suitor for their top choice. On February 10, NFL insider Ian Rapoport stated that it would take a “historic” haul to pry the No. 1 overall pick away from the Bears.
Chicago isn’t revealing its cards, but Bears president Kevin Warren has recently expressed public support for Fields.
“I’m a Justin supporter because I had the opportunity to work with him when I was the Big Ten conference commissioner,” Warren stated during a WGN interview, which aired on NBC Sports Chicago on February 14. “He is extremely talented. He is intelligent. He works hard. And he aspires to be an elite NFL football player. And now all he has to do is ensure that he gets the necessary support.
“Justin possesses a rare combination of brains, stature, strength, and speed. You don’t realize how large of a man he is until you’re up on him. He is not a little man. I really think he’ll improve year after year.”
Browns are confident in Deshaun Watson.
The Browns paid a high price to acquire Watson in 2022. Cleveland traded three first-round picks and quickly signed Watson to a monster $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
So far, it has not paid off. Watson has played in just 12 games, and his performance has been mixed. He has 2,217 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions with the Browns. Watson is also recovering from shoulder surgery for a dislocated fracture in his right glenoid.
Despite his less-than-stellar performance, the Browns believe they can construct a championship-caliber squad around Watson.
“We feel good about Deshaun,” Browns General Manager Andrew Berry told Zac Jackson of The Athletic. “I think the most important thing is that he stays on the field. Every year, we aim to conduct as much self-assessment as possible in all areas of the organization. So, in good and poor years, (we) will most likely tweak with what we believe is best. We’re really excited about Deshaun. We just want to make sure he is healthy.”
Watson is still recovering from his season-ending shoulder injury, but he is on track to be ready for training camp.
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