Buckeyes Bond: Texans' Stroud Reveals Justin Fields, Chicago Bears QB Take
The Houston Texans are no stranger to the elusiveness of a franchise quarterback, but the Chicago Bears' search has continued in perpetuity. Fortunately for Houston, it found its answer with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft when C.J. Stroud heard his name called.
After a historic rookie season that saw him take 48 of 50 first-place votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Texans are more than confident in Stroud being the face of the franchise. The Bears, however, are on the verge of crowning a new QB1.
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After three seasons in the Windy City, Chicago quarterback Justin Fields has become one of the most polarizing passers in the sport. With the No. 1 pick in the Bears’ possession and USC quarterback Caleb Williams waiting in the wings, turnover has teetered toward inevitable.
Fields is battling against historical precedent – few quarterbacks with as rough of a start have been long-term solutions – but continued to flash in 2023. He’s immensely talented and one of the best athletes on the field, but sacks and woes in the quick game have limited his impact.
In 2023, Fields generated 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while rushing for 657 yards and an additional four scores. That wasn’t enough to quiet the concerns about just how much he would develop and if he’d do so in time to earn a second contract.
Williams, meanwhile, is viewed as a blue-chip prospect – despite some flaws that the Bears are familiar with. He’ll have to adjust to an NFL game that’s more timing-based than the freestyling he prefers, but his arm talent and out-of-structure playmaking are awe-inspiring.
Everyone has an opinion on the matter, including Stroud, Fields’ former teammate with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
“They should [keep Fields] if they’re smart but … you know,” Stroud said when asked during Super Bowl week. After the host finished his sentence with the Bears, he laughed.
“You said it, not me.”
Stroud continued Fields’ tradition of competing for a national championship for Ohio State, though neither was successful in their pursuit of college football immortality.
The argument for Fields revolves around the uncertainty of new quarterback prospects and the improvements Fields has shown. As the Bears improved, he did, and with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron coming to town, there’s reason to be optimistic.
However, the advantages of a rookie contract are immense, and Fields’ time is running low. The chance to reset with a similarly, if not more, talented passer and resetting the contractual clock is the most likely option for Chicago.
Stroud will have to resort to rooting on his friend at his next stop, wherever that may be.
