According to Kurt Warner, former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer, the Chicago Bears should learn from the New York Giants’ experience with Daniel Jones and avoid making the same mistake by sticking with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback.
Warner, who played for the Giants in 2004, believes that his former team erred by signing Jones to a long-term contract last offseason. He warns that the Bears, particularly with the top pick in the 2024 NFL draft, cannot afford to repeat that mistake.
During a pre-Super Bowl press conference, Warner expressed the risks of committing to the wrong quarterback, emphasizing the financial implications for an organization when paying a quarterback top dollar. He believes that teams can get into trouble if they fail to accurately assess whether a quarterback is the right fit for their organization.
Warner specifically points to the Giants’ decision to give Jones a $160 million contract, despite his inconsistent performances. In Warner’s view, Jones has yet to prove himself as the franchise quarterback deserving of such a significant investment. He cautions that the Giants find themselves in a challenging position because Jones has not yet shown he is that caliber of quarterback, despite the hefty contract they awarded him.
Warner’s cautionary tale serves as a reminder to the Bears, urging them not to prolong the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation. He suggests that if they have three years with a quarterback and still harbor doubts about his ability, it’s time to move on rather than paying them a substantial sum in the hopes that their potential will translate into greatness. Warner acknowledges that some quarterbacks may be thrust into action prematurely and are not fully prepared, but their next contract will ultimately be determined by their performance.
In Warner’s opinion, the Bears cannot squander the opportunity they have with the first overall pick in the draft to secure the best quarterback available. He emphasizes that this situation differs from a team with a later pick in the draft, where the decision to select the next quarterback is not as critical.
Interestingly, Warner suggests that if the Bears do not heed his advice and decide to stick with Fields, it could open the door for their NFC East rivals, the Washington Commanders, to trade up in the draft and select USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Ominous Similarities: Daniel Jones and Justin Fields – Lessons to Be Learned
According to Dunleavy’s analysis, there are notable similarities between the decision the Chicago Bears face regarding Justin Fields and the choice made by the New York Giants with Daniel Jones last year. These similarities can be observed when comparing their statistics after three seasons. Fields has recorded a 10-28 win-loss record, an 82.3 quarterback rating, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions through the air, along with 2,220 passing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.
Similarly, Jones held a 12-25 win-loss record, an 84.3 quarterback rating, 45 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions through the air, as well as 1,000 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns before the 2022 season. However, Jones experienced a significant improvement under the guidance of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, which resulted in a remarkable performance.
Jones displayed enhanced accuracy, making the fewest “bad throws” (54) and the most on-target completions (359) of his career up to that point, as reported by Pro Football Reference. He further solidified his exceptional regular season by delivering an impressive performance against the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs, showcasing his abilities both as a runner and passer, according to B/R Gridiron.
The Giants’ confidence in Jones was bolstered by performances like the one he delivered against the Minnesota Vikings, leading them to believe he deserved a lucrative contract. However, a combination of turnovers and injuries later raised doubts about the wisdom of that decision. Giants’ edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux even suggested that running back Saquon Barkley should have been the one receiving a significant contract instead.
Given this cautionary tale, the Chicago Bears should exercise caution and avoid rushing to judgment after Fields had a commendable season in 2023. Fields showcased his potential by throwing for a career-best 2,562 yards and recording a career-low nine interceptions.
Similar to Jones, Fields also demonstrated improvements in his accuracy, as noted by PFF CHI Bears. These positive developments should be taken into consideration, but it is important for the Bears to approach the situation with careful evaluation and not hastily make any decisions based solely on one promising season.
The improvements shown by Fields may influence the Bears’ decision-making process regarding whether to stick with him as their quarterback and potentially trade out of the No. 1 pick. However, it is crucial for the Bears to thoroughly evaluate all factors and consider the long-term implications before making such a significant decision.
If the Bears choose to commit to Fields, it could have implications for the Giants, who should closely monitor their division rival’s actions. The Giants would need to assess the potential impact on their own division and strategize accordingly, particularly if the Bears decide to pass on selecting a quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Justin Fields’ Future and its Potential Impact on Giants’ Division Rival
The Washington Commanders have a need for a quarterback, but there is a possibility that Caleb Williams, the desired prospect, may no longer be available by the time they make their second overall pick in the draft. However, this scenario could change if the Bears are open to a trade.
In any potential trade discussions, Washington may have an advantage due to their new offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, who previously coached Williams during his time at USC. The reunion of Williams with Kingsbury would provide a significant boost to the Commanders’ efforts to rebuild their team. If Williams lives up to the expectations and performs as anticipated, Washington would secure a promising young quarterback who has the potential to become their franchise QB in the making. Meanwhile, the Giants might still be grappling with the consequences of their decision regarding Daniel Jones, attempting to rectify any mistakes that were made.
