Chicago, Illinois – Former Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel shared his insights on the Justin Fields trade and the potential of Caleb Williams on NBC Sports Chicago’s “Football Night in Chicago.” Daniel, a fervent supporter of Fields, believed that Fields would have thrived with the pieces the Bears had added around him this offseason.
According to Daniel, Fields had gained the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans in Chicago due to his work ethic, leadership, and toughness. Despite Fields’ potential growth with the team’s recent acquisitions, such as Keenan Allen and De’Andre Swift, the Bears ultimately decided to trade him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional 2025 draft pick.
Daniel questioned the trade’s value, suggesting that the Bears could have waited to increase Fields’ trade worth during the season. However, the decision to quickly accommodate Fields’ wish to join the Steelers was made to honor the commitment made to him during the NFL combine.
The trade paved the way for the Bears to potentially select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, with many speculating that USC’s Caleb Williams could be the top choice. Daniel expressed confidence in the team’s supporting cast for Williams or any incoming quarterback for the upcoming season.
Reflecting on the trade process, reports indicated that Fields had options to be traded to other teams, but he expressed a preference for Pittsburgh. The timing of the trade also raised questions about the challenge of having both Fields and a new quarterback coexist in the locker room, given Fields’ established rapport with the team.
While the trade marked a new chapter for Fields in Pittsburgh, it opened doors for the Bears to build around a new quarterback. The anticipation now grows as the team prepares for the draft and potentially selects a future franchise quarterback to lead them.