LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears quarterback Justin Fields' third NFL season could ultimately define his future with the organization and answer the question of whether Chicago has finally found its franchise arm.
It’s this pivotal season in which Fields can prove himself to the Bears, who come next offseason can begin negotiating a long-term contract extension with him – or plan for their next quarterback. For his part, the 24-year-old Fields recognizes the significance of this opportunity and has asserted himself well throughout the offseason.
"I just see leadership,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “He’s always the hardest worker. He’s always the first guy out, last to leave. He’s always done that. But now I can see (leadership), because his confidence is growing."
Fields has taken that mindset to the field with the hope of making the necessary improvements to his game. In 2022, Fields completed 60.4% of his passes for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 15 starts. Though he set several quarterback rushing records, Fields directed a Bears passing offense that ranked dead last in the NFL by a wide margin.
The focal point during the Bears' offseason program – which concluded Thursday with the final practice of veteran minicamp – was for Fields to improve his footwork and sync that up with his internal clock in the pocket.
“This year, I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable with it,” Fields said. “Just timed up with the routes better. Our whole offense is tied with my feet. I’m just trying to use my feet as the clock in my head just to move from each route in the progression.”
Bears quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko has seen what he considers critical growth from Fields.
“He’s made a conscious effort to make himself smoother, make himself more fluid, letting his feet lead him and then everything else mirrors off of that,” Janocko said. “To me, that’s where we’ve seen some growth. It’s what he’s put a real focus on.”
On Thursday, Fields capped off minicamp with one of his best performances of the offseason. He was locked in with his targets during red-zone drills, including a strike to new tight end Robert Tonyan Jr. in the corner of the end zone.
Coming off a 3-14 campaign in 2022, the Bears have an improved roster, but they know their chance to contend rests on Fields' shoulders.
“We got an elite quarterback,” Bears offensive lineman Lucas Patrick said. “At the end of the day, that’s a big indicator of your team’s success.”
Fields feels comfortable with the chemistry that he has developed this offseason with new top receiver DJ Moore as well as receiver Chase Claypool, who missed the last two weeks with an undisclosed soft tissue injury. The Bears also anticipate that receiver Darnell Mooney (ankle) will be fully cleared for the start of training camp in late July. Before then, Fields plans to welcome several of his teammates to Florida earlier in July to work on their routes.
When the Bears broke the huddle Thursday for their final practice of this offseason program, Fields felt confident in what had accomplished. And his team believes in the progress he has displayed.
"You can see it,” Eberflus said. “It's quicker, it's faster, it's more precise, and that comes down to his experience and his work ethic. He's worked really hard at it."
Participation report
The Bears had full participation from their roster over the course of this three-day veteran minicamp, which is mandatory. Mooney (ankle), Claypool (undisclosed) and linebacker Jack Sanborn (ankle) were among those sidelined from practice, but they were present at Halas Hall.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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