Ranking what the Chicago Bears need to be successful in 2024 and beyond
8. Quarterback
I think after today's performance against the Falcons, many fans want to see the Chicago Bears retain Fields and use the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to trade down and acquire more assets and possibly even more veteran players. With rumors that Matt Eberflus is staying in 2024, the chances of Justin Fields staying seems greater. The pairing seems to be a legit plan and if things don't work out, Ryan Poles still has the ability to move on from both with plenty of future assets in 2025 and 2026.
If I were Poles, I'd keep Fields. However, I'd look to add another quarterback to the mix in either the 2024 NFL Draft or even in free agency. Tyson Bagent looks like a decent backup quarterback who the team can develop, but they cannot count on him long-term if Fields misses multiple weeks. The bigger names hitting free agency are Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Ryan Tannehill. Cousins and Mayfield will likely be starters somewhere and not worth mentioning. Some backups the Chicago Bears could consider include Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor, Marcus Mariota, or Jameis Winston.
If Poles decides to add another quarterback to the mix, remember that Tyson Bagent was a UDFA, then they could add a name from Day 2 or Day 3. Michael Penix, Jr. could be a Day 2 option depending on the draft capital the team receives from trading down from first overall. Penix is a little older but could be a solid developmental option. Some less sexy names could be Spencer Rattler out of South Carolina, Joe Milton, III out of Tennessee, Michael Pratt out of Tulane, and Sam Hartman out of North Dakota.
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If Poles disagrees with my rankings and moves on from Justin Fields, then obviously Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels would be the top three options. Williams is the top prospect and would require the use of their first-overall pick.