Bears reporters expand on Justin Fields, Caleb Williams dilemma

Chicago Bears insider Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago strongly suggested on Tuesday that individuals within the organization don't want current starting quarterback Justin Fields and USC Trojans signal-caller Caleb Williams to share a locker room. 

For a piece published Wednesday, Bears beat writer Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic noted that he "still can’t see how or why Fields would be OK with that scenario" even though there appears to be little trade market for Fields ahead of the official start of spring. 

"Fields is a 25-year-old quarterback who can and should start in this league," Fishbain explained. "He isn’t a 30-year-old journeyman backup or veteran bridge quarterback. He’s been the face of this franchise since he was drafted. I’m not sure Halas Hall is built to handle the potential awkwardness and attention that would surround the two quarterbacks."

The idea that the Bears could hold onto Fields even after they (probably) make Williams the first pick of this year's draft continues to be floated out there if only because no team that needed a QB1 early into the NFL's legal tampering portion of free agency made a serious move for the 2021 first-round selection. While it was previously said Chicago may have to settle for getting a third-round pick in return for Fields this spring or summer, his value seemingly decreases a little more each time a different quarterback agrees to a contract with a club. 

"It wouldn’t be surprising if Fields wanted a fresh start if the Bears drafted Williams," Bears reporter Adam Jahns said for Wednesday's article. "Heck, it wouldn’t be surprising if Fields wanted a fresh start right now. I wouldn’t fault him if he did. His career probably needs it after three seasons in Chicago. Joining another team could provide him with different opportunities and experiences — which could help him change his career trajectory." 

Similar to Schrock, Jahns mentioned that Chicago keeping Fields and Williams for any significant length of time "would create a peculiar dynamic for the Bears" since veterans such as cornerback Jaylon Johnson and wide receiver D.J. Moore have already publicly backed Fields. Even if the quarterbacks could coexist through the preseason, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus should want to avoid such distractions following the hiring of new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in January. 

"If you’re moving on with Williams, then move on completely," Jahns added. 

Jahns insisted that Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles have time "to mull every scenario" before making a final call about the Fields-Williams dilemma. That indicates Poles is essentially hoping a team unexpectedly becomes in desperate need of a temporary starting quarterback between now and the start of training camp.