Fields not worried about future with Bears: 'Focused on what I can control'

Quarterback Justin Fields isn't getting ahead of himself when it comes to his future with the Chicago Bears.

Chicago (4-8) could own two top-five picks in the 2024 NFL Draft after trading away the 2023 first overall selection for the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick in the coming draft. The franchise may also be in a position to select the best player available.

The Bears could go with another signal-caller, but Fields isn't focusing on the draft.

"I mean, life isn't fair," Fields said, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "I'm just focused on what I can control, and the rest is in God's hands."

The 24-year-old says he's used to speculation and criticism, as "since I got to Chicago, y'all don't hold back."

"I hear it from y'all, I hear it from fans and stuff like that. I don't take any of it personal, because I know everybody's entitled to their opinion on certain things and stuff like that," he added.

Fields has endured an uneven career over three seasons in the league. He's currently on pace to post the best completion rate (64.4) and quarterback rating (92.3) of his career. But the improvements in his passing efficiency aren't translating into wins, as the Bears sport a 2-6 mark with Fields as the starter this season. Chicago went 2-2 with Tyson Bagent at the helm after Fields was sidelined with a right thumb injury.

The Ohio State product has thrown for 1,587 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. He's added 400 yards on the ground along with one touchdown.

Fields, the 11th overall selection in the 2021 draft, is concentrating on consistency during the final portion of the regular season and is confident that, regardless of where is next season, he'll still be a fixture in the league.

"Wherever, if I'm here next year, if I'm not, football doesn't define who I am as a person. My happiness will still be in the same place, will still be in God," Fields said.