The 11th overall pick in this year’s draft can now focus on becoming Chicago's starting quarterback.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with former Ohio State quarterback and first-round draft pick Justin Fields on a four-year, $18.9 million contract, which includes an $11.1 million signing bonus.
The Bears traded four picks – including their first- and fourth-round picks this year and first- and fifth-round picks next year – to move up from No. 20 and select Fields at No. 11 overall.
“We feel really fortunate to be able to get Justin in the area of the draft we were able to select him,” general manager Ryan Pace said during his post-draft media availability. “The excitement throughout our whole building, you can feel it as I walked down here tonight. What he’s going to do for the future of our organization (is exciting).”
The contract, which includes a team option for a fifth-season, surpasses the $14.4 million deal that former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins signed with Washington after the franchise selected him with the 15th overall pick in 2019.
Fields is expected to begin the season behind veteran Andy Dalton, who the Bears signed during free agency, but it’s only a matter of time until he takes over under center on a full-time basis.
"Andy is our starter, and we're going to have a really good plan in place to develop Justin and do what's best for our organization and win games," Pace said.
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