A relationship where one partner feels they can do better, but doesn't want to risk disappointment with the alternative, can put them in quite a predicament. The Bears face such a dilemma this offseason, as they currently hold the top pick in the NFL Draft with USC quarterback Caleb Williams widely considered the next generational talent. But, the best choice for the franchise is to stick with fourth-year incumbent Justin Fields, who showed improvements during the second half of this past season.
Nobody's surprised Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have been lured into temptation by Williams' sky-high potential. Even in a senior season where his numbers took a step back and USC finished 7-5, Williams still threw for 30 touchdowns and ran for 11 more. His ability to make off-schedule plays and thread the needle downfield also has scouts drooling.
In addition, Williams is being viewed as a holy franchise savior and somebody who can give Bears fans something to be excited about, as they've appeared in the NFC playoffs twice since 2011. Chicago desperately needs a superhero to save them from their bullies, the Lions and Packers. A superhero who can also become the franchise's very first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards.
Neither the Texans nor the Jags had pieces in place that would threaten the young rookie quarterbacks when they were drafted, and both organizations were in a rough spot, leaving a low bar to clear. The Bears are the exception to owning the top-overall pick without having an obvious need under center.
They acquired the pick by virtue of a trade with the Panthers, which owned the NFL's worst record. Now, the Bears are in an enviable spot they may not be in again, with a prime opportunity to upgrade at the quarterback position, despite having somebody who demonstrated competency this past season.
Do the Bears bank on Fields' improvement, or do they decide Williams is too good to pass up? All indications seem to be pointing toward the latter.
"If we were to do something with Justin, I want to do right by him and I know, again, living in that gray space, we would want to do something sooner rather than later,” Poles told reporters during the NFL Combine on Tuesday. "But just like I talk about with contracts, it takes two teams to figure that out, but at the same time, we're also trying to figure out the draft process as well."
With these comments, Poles sounded a lot like a guy making sure the woman he really wants to date was actually open to a relationship, before breaking up with his current girlfriend. "Living in a gray space" doesn't exactly scream out a ringing endorsement for the person currently playing quarterback. He later hinted at a trade partner when pointing out how it takes two to tango.
With all things being equal, retaining Fields and building up the roster around him is the Bears' best bet. History indicates quarterback development takes time. This was the case for Jordan Love and the Packers, and he now seems to be turning the corner. Injuries did limit Fields to just 13 games last season, but his progression as a passer and runner -- he racked up four touchdowns over the final three games with just one interception -- was evident.
Not only could the Bears draft arguably the class' top prospect -- Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. -- by trading down, but they could also add draft capital. It'd then enable the Bears to add complimentary offensive weapons, as opposed to getting lesser talent in later rounds to supplement what they already have.
Fields is also representing a relatively familiar and known commodity, as he's spent all three of his NFL seasons in Chicago. The franchise has been able to take inventory of his strengths and weaknesses, and conclude what he must do to improve. There's a lot to be said for that, with little continuity elsewhere.
There's also something to be said for having stick-to-it-ness with players that take a bit longer to develop. The Seahawks were rewarded for their patience with Geno Smith, as were the Titans with Ryan Tannehill. The copycat way of doing things could yield positive results.
Nobody would blame the Bears front office for going with Williams, given his shiny upside as a prospect and the fear of missing out on him. Chicago can't afford another draft mishap, and the mere notion of this happening should be enough to force Poles' hand. The Bears are in a bit of a pickle too, with both decisions offering pros and cons that may or may not upset their loyal fans.
So, with all of this in mind, the team would be best served taking advice from Joni Mitchell’s hit tune "Big Yellow Taxi" when making a final call on the Fields-Williams debate. "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."