Justin Fields arrived at the 2021 NFL Draft as a prized asset with multiple teams itching for his signature. It was ultimately Matt Nagy-coached Chicago Bears that won the race and selected him as the 11th overall pick earlier this year. The Bears had to trade up with New York Giants to bring in Fields.
They ended up sending the 20th overall pick and their fifth-round pick in 2021, along with their first and fourth-round picks in 2022 in the opposite direction. The former Ohio State Buckeyes product signed a four-year rookie contract, worth $18.8 million fully guaranteed, on June 10, 2021.
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Justin Fields receives a major shoutout from King James Himself!
HAVE A DAY JUSTIN FIELDS! 💪
🎯 14/20, 142 yards, 1 TD
🎯 4 rushes, 37 yards, 1 TD pic.twitter.com/SIFUJewIag— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) August 14, 2021
Justin Fields made his preseason debut for Chicago Bears earlier this week in the 20-13 win over AFC East franchise, Miami Dolphins. The Georgia-born quarterback earned rave reviews for his display against Tua Tagovailoa and Co. He completed 14 of his 20 attempted passes, throwing for 142 yards with one passing touchdown.
Home fans were particularly impressed with Fields’ play in the pocket. His passing range seemed to be on par with an experienced quarterback already. Of course, it’s too early to say but Fields could just be the undisputed no. 1 in Chicago ahead of veteran Andy Dalton.
The youngster was so good on Saturday that he even earned a shoutout from Los Angeles Lakers legend, LeBron James, on Twitter.
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Justin Fields is so SPECIAL man!! Keep going Young 👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 14, 2021
Justin will be pushing for a spot in the starting lineup when the season starts next month (barring any unfortunate injury issues). The Bears open their 2021 NFL campaign with a daunting game against the NFC West franchise, Los Angeles Rams.
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It will be interesting to see if coach Matt Nagy gives his young quarterback a trial-by-fire on September 12. But from what we’ve seen in the past week, Justin Fields will be challenging for the Rookie of the Year award in 2021. If he seals a starting berth, that is.
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