(670 The Score) Veteran linebacker K.J. Wright got a good look at Bears quarterback Justin Fields last October in Las Vegas.
The then-rookie Fields led the Bears to a 20-9 win over the Raiders, and though it was a modest performance from Fields, it left an impression on Wright. He sees Chicago having a bright future with Fields under center.
“Justin Fields, you can tell, has all the tools to be successful,” Wright said on the Laurence Holmes Show on Tuesday. “I love his deep ball. I love the way that when the play breaks down, he’s not afraid to take off running. You can tell that they reached up and took him in the draft for a reason. I love his confidence. I love his demeanor. When he’s out on the football field, he doesn’t get too rattled.
“He’s got to take that next step. The offensive coordinator that came in, open up the playbook a little more for him. They kind of held him back a little bit his rookie year, as they should’ve. Open the playbook a little more. Keep adding some weapons that he can get the ball to.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him taking that next step to being a better quarterback next year.”
Fields, 23, completed 58.9% of his passes for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions over 12 games last season. He also rushed 72 times for 420 yards and two scores. The Bears were 2-8 in his 10 starts.
Wright, 32, played a decade with the Seahawks from 2011-’20 before signing with the Raiders last season. He's currently a free agent and said he doesn't plan to retire.