Justin Fields ‘glad’ that 49ers Passed him in the draft
The 2021 quarterback draft class was a frenzy. Five QBs were taken in the first round, three of which were taken within the top three picks. Despite Bears quarterback Justin Fields being seen as a potential No. 1, he was passed by 10 teams. As the No. 11 overall pick, Fields is “glad” that one of those teams passed on him.
The 49ers drafted Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick. While there were talks of Fields going to the 49ers, they ultimately went with Lance, passing on the former Ohio State signal caller. With the Bears and 49ers set to face off in Week 1 of the 2022-23 season, wide receiver Darnell Mooney said the 49ers will regret not taking Fields.
Although Fields appreciates the comment from his teammate, he’s perfectly contempt with where he ended up.
I don’t take anything personal,” Fields said Wednesday. “I’m happy to be here. I’m glad they passed on me.”
Fields said at Halas Hall
Even though Fields seems to be glad the 49ers didn’t draft him, it doesn’t seem to affect his preparation for Week 1. He doesn’t care about draft talk anymore; he just wants to win.
While Fields isn’t worried about other quarterbacks taken ahead of him, the respect for Lance is still there. The two worked out together before the draft and received multiple comparisons. Two athletic QBs with the ability to run just as well as they can throw. While Lance will be making only his third career start, Fields still believes he’s a “good quarterback.”
Nevertheless, Fields has more important things to worry about. One of which is trying to rise as a leader for an underperforming Bears team. They went 6-11 last season, leading to a new regime with general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus.
Fields, entering his second season in the NFL, is excited to show the work he and his teammates have put together. His motivation isn’t coming from the 49ers or Trey Lance, it’s coming from his own locker room.
“My guys in my locker room,” Fields said when asked what motivates him. “Just seeing the work we put in. Coach says all the time, it’s about us. It’s not about the 49ers this week. It’s about us.”
If Fields is truly not focusing on the 49er talk, good for him. Even if he is, I’m sure the Bears will be OK with their starting QB having extra fuel for Week 1.
Until then, Bears fans will pray to the football gods that they drafted the right choice. For 49er fans, they hope they didn’t draft a mistake.
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