Chase Daniel discussed the Justin Fields trade and Caleb Williams' possibilities on NBC Sports Chicago's "Football Night in Chicago" on Tuesday. Daniel, a Fields supporter, wanted the Bears to keep Fields and trade the No. 1 selection for a haul to build around him. He believes Fields would improve by playing on Ryan Poles' offseason team with the Bears.
"If you put the pieces that you're putting around the No. 1 pick, around Justin, I feel like he would've gotten even better," he said. He felt more at ease in the pocket. His processing speed was substantially higher. He ruled the locker room. He won the city." Indeed. All his locker room comrades and city fans loved Fields. All are drawn to the same. His leadership, tenacity, and work ethic are admired by all.
Fields undoubtedly would've improved with the Bears' offseason additions. Keenan Allen, De'Andre Swift, and Gerald Everett were notable acquisitions. On defense, they re-signed Jaylon Johnson and signed Kevin Byard to replace Eddie Jackson.
Instead, the Bears traded him to the Steelers for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that may become a fourth-round pick if Fields plays at least 51% of snaps this season. Most thought the Bears would trade Fields for a second- or third-round pick. However, the Bears dealt him to Pittsburgh for a sixth-rounder, which Daniels considered too cheap.
"Why could you not have held onto him maybe for a few more months?" Daniel asks. "I understand your franchise and your duty is to manage Justin Fields and place him properly. However, keeping him in training camp, preseason, or Week 2 or 3 of the season... Thirteen to fourteen starters were injured last year. Your trade worth soars."
Fields may have been traded to one of four teams other than the Steelers who offered the Bears assets, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Fields and his representatives wanted him relocated to Pittsburgh, where the Bears' return was compromised to please him.
However, Fields and the No. 1 overall pick, if the Bears draft a quarterback, may not get along in terms of timing. According to Daniels, Fields had won over the locker room, making it harder for them to accept the newcomer while he was there.
Would the Bears have gotten more for Fields if they waited until the NFL draft or the season started? No doubt. However, the Bears' NFL combine commitment to "do right" by Fields was not fulfilled. It meant moving him as swiftly as possible to his selected destination so he could start his new career smoothly. If you keep him for a better price, it doesn't happen.
However, Fields' trade allowed the Bears to draft a quarterback with the first choice. Who will? All signs point to USC's Caleb Williams. Daniel believes the Bears might be deadly next season with the pieces they have to help Williams or whichever quarterback they sign.
"I do think the pieces around him are probably the best he's had, in terms of a No. 1 pick going to a team in the last decade," he said. "I think this is the best team, staff, and defense. So he and you better play well immediately."
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