Justin Fields: 'No Regrets' About Bears Career; Decision on Future 'Not in My Hands'

Justin Fields knows his future in Chicago is uncertain, but he's not allowing himself to worry about what the offseason may hold.

"That decision is not in my hands," Fields told reporters after Sunday's 17-9 loss to the Green Bay Packers. "All I can control is what I did do. I gave it my all. Whether it's here or not, I have no regrets."

The Bears have the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft and are expected to explore drafting USC's Caleb Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye. Chicago was in the same position a year ago and chose to stick with Fields, trading back in a deal with the Carolina Panthers that ultimately gave the Bears a franchise-altering decision.

Fields concluded the 2023 season with a dud, throwing for just 148 yards and rushing for 27 more while failing to produce a touchdown against the Packers. Green Bay sacked the Ohio State product five times, and Bears fans watched on as Jordan Love—a quarterback drafted just one year before Fields—concluded a breakout season with a 316-yard, two-touchdown effort.

Fields threw for 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions while adding 657 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. While he reduced his propensity for turnovers from 2022, the Bears also saw fewer big plays from their offense despite Fields being surrounded by a superior supporting cast. His rushing yards were nearly slashed in half from last season despite making only two fewer starts, and his yards per attempt took a slight dip (from 7.1 to 6.9) despite the acquisition of D.J. Moore.

While the Bears offense still leaves something to be desired in terms of elite talent surrounding Fields, it's fair to wonder if his flashes of brilliance are just that—flashes. Chicago could continue fortifying its roster around a new quarterback on a rookie contract, a move that would offer the financial freedom for the front office to continue loading up on an emerging defense.

The contract issue may be the biggest thing that forces the Bears' hand. Should they double down on Fields, they would have to accept his fifth-year option in his rookie contract and guarantee him around $25 million for the 2025 season. The total value of a rookie-scale contract for the No. 1 pick in April's draft is around $45 million.

That would provide the Bears with financial freedom for years moving forward and potentially give them a better quarterback. It's also unlikely Chicago will be in this position for the foreseeable future, so it's a now-or-never proposition.