Justin Fields’ future with the Chicago Bears has been a hot-button topic for some time, particularly after the team officially locked up the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With a chance to select Caleb Williams or another of the top quarterbacks in the class, plenty have rumors have swirled that the Bears could move on from Fields, and they only intensified after word spread that he had unfollowed the team’s Instagram account.
Why Justin Fields Unfollowed the Chicago Bears on Instagram
Fields provided clarity on why he unfollowed Chicago’s team Instagram account during an appearance on the St. Brown Bros podcast, which is hosted by NFL players and brothers Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown.
Fields said there is no ill will toward the Bears, and it’s merely about taking a break from NFL content on his timeline.
“I still mess with the Bears. I’m just trying to take a little break,” Fields said. “I unfollowed the Bears and the NFL. I’m not just trying to have football on my timeline. I know y’all mess with a girl, EQ, especially you. Just because you don’t follow the girl on IG, don’t mean you not messing with her.
“It’s something that I don’t want to see on my timeline. I’m about to go on vacation, I don’t wanna see no football. It’s either keep Fields, we want Fields, draft Caleb. I’m tired of hearing the talk. I just want it to be over.”
Justin Fields reveals to the St. Brown brothers why he unfollowed the Bears on Instagram, via @The33rdTeamFB.
📹 https://t.co/PVuPFC1Ivd pic.twitter.com/b8zPSPDxMM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2024
Fields’ time in Chicago has been bumpy now through three seasons since being selected 11th overall by the franchise in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Bears are a combined 10-28 across his 38 starts thus far, as Fields has been up-and-down and largely played without much of a supporting cast around him.
He threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while running for 657 yards and four more scores this past season. It was one of Fields’ better statistical seasons as a pro, as Chicago went 5-8 in his 13 starts. He was inactive for a four-game stretch from Weeks 7-10.
Fields also threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, alongside rushing for 1,143 yards and eight more scores across 15 appearances in 2022.
Still, Chicago faces a tough decision between Fields or another quarterback prospect ahead of the draft. Fields is slated to enter the final season of his rookie contract in 2024.
Meanwhile, drafting the highly regarded Williams would give the Bears four more years of a cost-effective rookie contract to build up the team around their quarterback.
KEEP READING: Caleb Williams to the Giants? Former NFL GM Proposes Wild Trade Up With the Bears
Chicago could also decide to trade out of the pick and accrue other assets to build around Fields if they’re confident in him as their quarterback of the future. The Bears keeping head coach Matt Eberflus around could be a signal of their willingness to give Fields another year to prove himself at the spot.
Still, time will tell what Chicago ultimately decides with draft day approaching. At the very least, Fields seems content to run it back with the franchise.
“Of course, I want to stay,” Fields said on the podcast. “I can’t see myself playing in another place. But if it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city’s lit. The fans there are great and the people. It’s a business. I ain’t got no control over it. Whatever happens, happens.
“I think the biggest thing with all this going on right now, I just want it to be over. Like, just let me know if I’m getting traded, let me know if I’m staying, this and that.”
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!