The season didn't end how Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears envisioned it. For the most part, though, it was still a positive year for the franchise. In spite of the 17-9 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the second to the rival this season, the Bears saw a big jump from the defense, they will have the first overall pick from the Carolina Panthers, and the team saw decent development from quarterback Justin Fields.

But now, these last two factors collide. Fields has been better, but is it enough to preclude them from selecting a quarterback with the top pick? After all, prospects Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are highly touted.

Fields himself knows his situation is fluid. There are no assurances from the franchise, and it's an important time for the quarterback's timeline.

As a 2021 first-round pick, Fields is due to a fifth-year option decision. Be it the Bears or an eventual acquiring team, it has to make a decision about Fields' option by May, and picking it up would guarantee him more than $20 million in 2025 salary.

"I mean, I'm not sure (that he's done enough to keep the job in 2024). That decision is not in my hands. All I can control is what I did do," Fields said after the loss at Lambeau Field. "I gave it my all. Whether it's here or not, I have no regrets. Shoutout to you guys (media) for making my job a little bit harder. To the City of Chicago, love y'all. Appreciate the fans and the support from all the Bears, you know, and in case this is my last rodeo with y'all, appreciate y'all for everything."

It was a strong message from a player that has endured a lot over his three years in Chicago. Two head coaches, two offensive systems, a lot of changes in personnel. Fields said he likes the management people in Chicago, but understands the decision goes beyond that.

"I have a pretty good relationship with Ryan (Poles) and the guys upstairs. But at the end of the day, this is a business," Fields added. "They have to make the tough decision. My job is just to go out there and play my best. But it would mean a lot to get that confirmation from them and just really send a message that they trust me to lead this team and be the quarterback for the Bears."

Fields finished his season playing 13 games. He completed 61.4% of the passes for 2,562 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 86.3 passer rating (the best of his NFL career). He also had 657 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Financial decision

First of all, the Bears have to decide if general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will ultimately be the leaders beyond this season. It's looking like they will, though.

Justin Fields has one year left on his rookie deal, plus the fifth-year option. So it's actually one cheap season, and another cost-controlled but mildly expensive one. If the Bears decide to move on and take another quarterback, they would reset the financial timeline.

There's also impactful draft capital considerations. If the Bears want to trade down from the number one pick, the expectation is that they could get an even bigger package than they did in 2023, when they traded down with the Carolina Panthers, who wanted to draft Bryce Young.

However, this value expectation also shows how important Williams or Maye could be for the Bears. Moreover, the team would have the possibility of trading Fields away, getting at least a day 2 pick for him.

It's a tough situation all around, but Justin Fields knows his future beyond this season might not be in Chicago.

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