The signs are mixed in this case. Multiple beat writers connected to the organization have intimated that the Bears may move on from the quarterback position, wanting to start over in the 2024 selection. Former general manager Randy Mueller weighed in on the Bears’ dilemma in his latest essay for The Athletic. He believes the way forward is clear. First and foremost, keep Eberflus and his team in place. Second, in the draft, find the right quarterback. In his mind, three people meet the bill for what Chicago is searching for.
Two of the names are self-evident. The other comes as a surprise.
“IF I WERE POLES, I’D KEEP THE COACH, KEEP THE COORDINATOR, AND LET THEM CHOOSE ONE QB FROM WHAT I SEE AS A GROUP OF THREE TOP PROSPECTS: CALEB WILLIAMS OF USC, HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER JAYDEN DANIELS OF LSU, AND — IF HE CHOOSES TO COME OUT AND PLAY WELL IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF — MICHIGAN’S J.J. MCCARTHY, WHOSE SKILL SET MAY JUST FIT BEST OF ALL. THE BEARS ARE IN A RARE POSITION DUE TO THE QUALITY OF THIS GROUP. ALL THREE WOULD BE IMPROVEMENTS OVER FIELDS, WHO COULD BE TRADED FOR A FEW MORE DRAFT OPTIONS.
Eberflus has stated that he desires consistency from the quarterback position. Reduce turnovers, move chains, and sustain drives. Take your shots while they’re available. Fields is a fantastic athletic talent who can do things that most quarterbacks cannot, but his consistency remains an issue. He struggles to piece completions together, keeps the ball for too long, and continues to fumble. When there are nearly as many bad plays as positive ones, the positive ones become less valuable.
J.J. McCarthy isn’t the talent that Fields is, but he has a proven track record as a winner and leader for Michigan. Over the last two seasons, he’s thrown 31 touchdowns and only nine interceptions, leading his team to a 26-1 record and a crack at the national championship. Because the Wolverines don’t require him to throw much, some have called him a game manager, but many believe he has the tools to do so. The Chicago Bears are interested in his efficiency, poise, and big-game mentality.
Add to that the fact that Brad Biggs mentioned his name out of nowhere a few weeks ago, and it’s something to remember.
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