LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Two games remain in the regular season for the Bears before their offseason full of intrigue and uncertainty arrives.
There’s no more important decision for the Bears’ future than the one looming at quarterback. They must decide whether to stand by 24-year-old Justin Fields as their starter or potentially select his replacement in the NFL Draft.
On several occasions, Fields has acknowledged the uncertainty that lies ahead, but he isn’t letting it distract him at the end of this season.
“I mean, I've got too much to focus on today to worry about tomorrow,” Fields said Wednesday. “I've got to worry about this new game plan I've got, the play calls. Like I always say, we don't know if we're going to get it tomorrow. So, there's no point in stressing about tomorrow if we don't know it's going to be here yet.
“Shoot, none of us really have control over our future. The only person who really has control over it is God. Shoot, if he has control over it, then I'm good. So whatever he does with my life, I'm good with that.”
Fields has completed 60.9% of his passes for 2,146 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions with an 84.5 passer rating in 11 games this season. Two of his interceptions came on Hail Mary throws. Over 38 career NFL games (36 starts), he has thrown for 6,258 yards, 39 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.
The No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields is playing in the third year of his rookie contract. He's eligible for a contract extension in the offseason. However, the Bears are currently in line to land the No. 1 overall pick from the NFL-worst Panthers (2-13), which has clouded Fields' future with the franchise.
The Bears have scouted top quarterback prospects like USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye this fall as part of their preparation to make the key decision. General manager Ryan Poles is unlikely to tip his hand on the team’s direction at quarterback until late February, when plans begin to form for the offseason.
Until that time arrives, Fields will continue to focus on the games at hand. The Bears (6-9) host the Falcons (7-8) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
“I’m not perfect at anything,” Fields said. “To be honest, I have a lot of work to do. That work’s going to be put in. It’s going to be done. I’m excited for this Sunday, this matchup we have against Atlanta, going against a talented defense. Everybody’s getting ready for it, so it’ll be fun.
“I just worry about what’s going on today. Shoot, I don’t process what’s going to go on in the future. I don’t think anybody does, to be honest. Shoot, I don’t know. You all don’t know. Nobody knows. Whatever happens happens. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.