ESPN Analyst Thinks Justin Fields Should Sit Rest Of 2023 Season
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Following the Bears' win over the Panthers on Thursday night, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith suggested on "First Take" that Justin Fields should sit out the remainder of the season.
Fields has been out since Oct. 15 due to a thumb injury. The Bears are 2-2 during his absence.
The reason Smith wants Fields to sit the rest of the year is because he doesn't trust Chicago to properly protect him.
"If I'm Justin Fields, I don't think about playing again [in Chicago]. I want to get the hell up out of there," Smith said. "I'm hoping that they trade me to a more respectable franchise that's going to protect me and my interests moving forward in the future."
Smith then suggested the Jets trade for Fields so he can become their long-term successor to Aaron Rodgers. We're not so sure that'll happen though.
Since entering the league in 2021, Fields has completed just 60.1 percent of his pass attempts for 5,313 yards with 35 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. Of course, we can't forget the other element of his game.
Fields has 1,800 rushing yards and 11 scores on 279 attempts. Last season, he made a handful of jaw-dropping plays in the open field.
Unfortunately for Fields, things just haven't worked out in Chicago. Some of the blame falls on the coaching staff, there's no doubt about it. But Fields also hasn't been nearly as efficient as the front office expected him to be.
At this rate, Fields will be playing elsewhere next season. Unless the Bears want to shock the world and pass up an opportunity to select a rookie quarterback.
