NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Bears 'Need to Be Blown Away by a' QB to Replace Justin Fields

The Chicago Bears are not wavering in their commitment to Justin Fields.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Bears would have to be "blown away" by a quarterback during the 2024 draft evaluation process to move on from Fields. Of course, much of how Chicago views its quarterback situation moving forward will be determined by how Fields plays in the seven games remaining this season.

Fields is set to return from a four-game absence Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Before dislocating his right (throwing) thumb last month against the Minnesota Vikings, Fields was playing the best football of his career. He threw for eight touchdowns against one interception in back-to-back games against the Denver Broncons and Washington Commanders, showing signs his throwing ability may finally catch up to his dynamic rushing prowess.

"I think seven weeks is enough time to show consistency and for him to be the high performer that we expect him to be," Bears coach Matt Eberflus told reporters this week. "I know he's had some good performances this year, certainly the last few have been solid."

The Bears passed on drafting a quarterback at the top of the 2023 draft, instead trading the Carolina Panthers for the Nos. 9 and 61 picks in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and wide receiver D.J. Moore. The move was a showing of faith for Fields, who had a stellar second half in 2022 despite one of the worst supporting casts in football.

The acquisition of Moore was expected to create a significant boost in the passing game, but Fields struggled early on. He began the season with three straight shaky outings as a passer, including a 99-yard lowlight in a 41-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the final two pre-injury starts were a promising sign, it's fair to say the jury is still out on whether Fields can be the long-term answer.

USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye are seen as the top two quarterbacks in the 2024 class.