When the Chicago Bears traded up and selected quarterback Justin Fields with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, it felt like a bold leap toward finally solving their never-ending problem at quarterback.
For decades, Chicago has cycled through a revolving door of passers, some promising, most disappointing, and Fields represented the hope of something different. A Heisman Trophy finalist at Ohio State with elite athleticism, Fields was projected to become the next elite dual-threat quarterback, capable of electrifying Soldier Field (which he did at times), and end the franchise’s search for stability under center.
Yet just four years later, Bleacher Report is calling Fields the Bears’ worst first-round draft pick over the last five years (2020 to 2024).
The Bears have been desperate for a quarterback for what feels like the franchise’s entire 104-year existence. So, it’s hard to fault them for taking Fields four years ago, as he was expected to become the next great dual-threat QB in the league. However, the Ohio State product ended up getting traded out of Chicago for a sixth-round pick and is about to play for his third team in as many years.
The other first-round players the Bears drafted from 2020 to 2024 include right tackle Darnell Wright, quarterback Caleb Williams, and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Bleacher Report Labels Justin Fields as the Bears’ Worst Draft Pick of the Last Five Years
Rather than emerging as the franchise’s savior, Fields never fully developed into the star Chicago envisioned. While flashes of brilliance, like his 1,143 rushing yards in 2022, hinted at his ceiling, inconsistencies as a passer, mounting injuries, and frequent coaching changes left him fighting an uphill battle.
The Bears eventually traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Now, the ex-Bear has signed with the New York Jets on a two-year, $40 million deal to become their starting quarterback.
With the arrival of Williams last season, Chicago has hit the reset button yet again, hoping this time it will be different. But for many fans and analysts, the Fields saga is the latest reminder that talent alone isn’t enough to fix a quarterback-starved franchise.
Why Bears Fans Can Feel Optimistic with Caleb Williams and a New Foundation
GettyCaleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears during an OTA offseason workout.
Despite the sting of another failed quarterback, Williams’ arrival has sparked new optimism in Chicago. This time, the Bears appear to be far better prepared to develop a young quarterback than they were when Fields arrived in 2021.
Williams won’t have to carry the offense alone like Fields did back then. General manager Ryan Poles brought in new additions this offseason, including offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, as well as offensive weapons like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.
But perhaps the most impactful change is the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson. His creativity and attention to detail will maximize Williams’ strengths and show the rest of the league why he was drafted No. 1 overall.
While Fields’ tenure served as a cautionary tale about the cost of failing to support a young quarterback, it also forced the Bears to change course. Chicago appears to be determined to prove they’ve finally created the right conditions for long-term success at the quarterback position.
The hope is that both Fields and Williams find success next season as they embark on a new stage of their NFL careers.
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