Thing is....the Bears dont have to.
They only do so if Fields balls out next season.
Again just dont make it just a pay Fields vs. rookie contract Caleb. Cause with the proposed haul they'd get its far more nuanced.
Bears can easily get Penix in round 2 if they want a backup plan. They can have a roster so loaded that if Fields fails they can get a proven vet/great potential QB.
Trevor Lawrence might be available in 2025, Kyler Murray might be on the trade market, maybe Dak
I love Caleb as a prospect. Think he can be great. However, a trade that nets you a massive haul puts you closer to a Super Bowl caliber roster.
Would you rather be the Bills with Josh Allen or the 49ers with Brock Purdy and a few HOF level talent elsewhere.
Bears dont have an Andy Reid to craft him into Mahomes. So Caleb w/ defensive HC is on the Josh Allen Bills track if it pans out.
You let Fields earn the contract in 2024....if they want to go that route.