Justin Fields’ NFL future has been widely speculated on for some time now, particularly after the Chicago Bears secured the No. 1 pick with a chance to look elsewhere at the quarterback position. Whether he remains with the Bears is not the only decision looming in the near future for Fields, however, as his rookie deal is approaching its end.
With a new deal possibly on the horizon, regardless of where Fields gets traded to, one NFL analyst gave a contract projection for the young quarterback, and it might surprise you just how valuable he potentially is.
Justin Fields To Land Sizable Contract Extension?
Fields is poised to play on the final year of his rookie contract in 2024, which is fully guaranteed and worth roughly $3.2 million. He could then earn $22 million in 2025 if his fifth-year option is picked up by the May 2 deadline and potentially be signed to a long-term extension at some point in the near future.
In the event that Fields is extended — by Chicago or another team — he could be in line for a hefty payday.
Michael Ginnitti, co-founder and editor of Spotrac, tweeted Wednesday that Spotrac’s system estimates Fields could eventually be in line for an extension in the neighborhood of a six-year, $283 million deal.
That number would currently put him 17th among NFL quarterbacks in average annual value of contract at just under $33 million per year, according to Spotrac.
For comparison, New York Giants QB Daniel Jones had a four-year, $160 million contract extension begin in the 2023 season. New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr also had a four-year, $150 million contract begin this past season, putting him at an AAV of $37.5 million.
Still, the Bears or another team would likely need to see more from Fields in the next season or two to be willing to shell out such a large sum for him. The young quarterback is set to begin his fourth NFL season in 2024 and has certainly had his ups and downs.
Fields completed a career-best 61.4% of his pass attempts for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 starts last season, adding 124 carries for 657 yards and four more scores as Chicago’s leading rusher.
Those numbers come on the heels of a solid 2022 season, where he threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, alongside rushing for 1,143 yards and eight more scores.
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Fields has shown clear dual-threat ability during his time in the league, albeit with some inconsistent play and dealing with an at times subpar supporting cast.
It’s unclear at this point whether Fields will get another year to give it a go with Chicago, though the team retaining head coach Matt Eberflus could be an indication they play on bringing him back.
Still, the Bears could also draft Caleb Williams No. 1 overall or take another quarterback high in the draft and potentially trade Fields elsewhere. Time will tell how Chicago ultimately proceeds, but Fields could be in line for a sizable payday soon if the next year or two goes well.
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