Chicago Bears admit to tanking with latest quarterback change

January 5, 2023 ndowd

The Chicago Bears are heading toward a top-two draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and their latest move at quarterback further seconds that notion.

Heading into a Week 18 battle vs. the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Bears are on the verge of obtaining either the No.1 or No. 2 overall pick. Given their current belief in Justin Fields, it seems like the franchise will avoid picking a signal-caller in April.

However, they still must lose the game against Minnesota to have those dreams, and with their latest move, it appears that is the direction they wish to go in. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Chicago would not start Justin Fields in the season-finale and instead opt for backup Nathan Peterman.

Bears’ QB Nathan Peterman will start in place of Justin Fields on Sunday vs. the Vikings.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2023

So there is that. Peterman will get the snaps on Sunday without much to gain and much to lose. If Chicago wins the game, they will drop to the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, and the value of that pick isn’t as high as it would be if the team lost.

If Chicago was to lose on Sunday, which they likely will, then with no questions asked. They will secure no worse than the No. 2 overall pick, and the options there are tantalizing.

Chicago Bears to start Nathan Peterman in season finale

Here’s where it gets interesting. If the Chicago Bears lose and the Houston Texans are able to pull out a win over the Indianapolis Colts, then that means the Bears will clinch the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. That would be pure madness, and so much excitement would follow.

Given their willingness to stick to Justin Fields, the draft capital that a team would be willing to pay the Bears if they are in such a position would help provide potential building blocks for the team and the development of their QB. Moreover, by selecting either first or second, the bounty of picks that could come in any trade can make up for the lost second-round selection the team used in the Chase Claypool trade.

In short, the Bears need to lose one last time on Sunday, and the clock can officially start to tick. Cap space will be there, draft capital will be there, and the excuses will be over. Lose now, and win big later.

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