Deshaun Watson’s starter for the Chicago Bears, Justin Fields, may be a possibility for the Cleveland Browns if they choose to explore for alternatives at quarterback in the offseason.
When it comes to Fields, the Bears have an intriguing offseason choice. At choice No. 11 in the 2021 draft, the team chose the former star player from Ohio State. Caleb Williams, a standout passer for USC, is the No. 1 overall pick that Chicago owns, though.
Recently, a group of ESPN commentators and insiders was asked what move they would like to see made this offseason. Fields should be traded by the Browns, per Seth Walder’s request.
“I realize this is a wild one. However, I would aim to upgrade at quarterback and view Deshaun Watson as mostly a sunk expense if I were the Browns. This would be difficult to pull off with Watson already receiving so much money and no first-round pick, according to Walder. “But it is possible to trade Fields—who is still under contract—for a second- or third-round selection, and I would rather to see Fields in Kevin Stefanski’s scheme. The other option is to just hope that Watson gets better and, if not, toss away another excellent roster year.
The Bears must decide what to do with top pick Justin Fields.Â
Field played for the Bears in 13 games during the previous season. In 2,562 yards, he completed 16 touchdown passes and 9 interceptions. On the ground, he gained 657 yards and four more touchdowns.
Fields is still a rookie, as Walder said, so his contract wouldn’t be too expensive – at least not for now. His contract has one more year left on it, and he has the option to extend it by one more season.
Whether Fields will be available at all is the question. Instead of trading for their number one selection, the Bears may choose to hold onto him. It would require a “historic” haul to wrest the No. 1 overall pick away from the Bears, according to an NFL insider report published on February 10.
Although Chicago is keeping its cards close to the vest, Fields has received public backing from Bears president Kevin Warren.
“I’m a supporter of Justin because I had the opportunity to work with him when I was the Big Ten conference commissioner,” Warren stated on February 14 in a WGN interview, as reported by NBC Sports Chicago. “He has extraordinary talent. He is intelligent. He puts in a lot of work. He also aspires to be a fantastic NFL football player. All he has to do now is make sure he has the support system in place.
“Justin possesses a unique blend of brains, stature, strength, and speed. Until you’re up on him, you don’t realize what a large man he is. He is a large man. I simply believe that he will continue to improve every year.
Browns Is Certain About Deshaun WatsonÂ
In 2022, the Browns forfeited a sizable sum to get Watson. After giving up three first-round picks, Cleveland quickly signed Watson to a hefty $230 million contract that included full guarantees.
It hasn’t paid off as of yet. Watson has only made 12 appearances, and his performance has been mixed in those games. With the Browns, he has passed for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Watson is also recovering from shoulder surgery for a dislocated glenoid fracture.
The Browns are convinced they can assemble a championship-caliber team around Watson despite his lackluster showing.
The Athletic’s Zac Jackson reports that Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated, “We feel good about Deshaun.” “I believe that the most important thing is for him to continue playing and to stay on the pitch. We sincerely attempt to conduct as much self-evaluation on every aspect of the business as we can each year. Therefore, (we) will most likely always make some little adjustments to what we believe is ideal, whether in good and poor years. But we’re especially pleased about Deshaun in particular. All we want to do is ensure his wellbeing.
Although Watson’s shoulder injury ended the season, he is still recovering and should be ready for training camp.
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