Chicago Bears’ First-Round Quarterbacks: A History of Mixed Results
Despite drafting six quarterbacks in the first round since the common draft era began in 1967, the Chicago Bears have struggled to find a long-term solution at the position. Their first-round quarterbacks have combined for zero selections to the All-Pro teams (first or second team) and only two Pro Bowls while in Chicago. The Bears are the only NFL franchise that has not had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a season.
Justin Fields, the Bears’ current quarterback, has shown promise but has also struggled with consistency. In his first three seasons, Fields has ranked in the bottom third in nearly every passing category, including EPA per dropback and completion percentage. However, he has also shown his dynamic running ability, rushing for 178 yards against the Miami Dolphins in 2022, the second-most by a quarterback in a regular-season game.
The Bears hope to break their streak of disappointing quarterback play with the potential selection of USC’s Caleb Williams in the upcoming NFL Draft. Williams is considered one of the top prospects in the draft and has the potential to be a franchise-changing player. However, it remains to be seen whether he can live up to the hype and become the long-term answer at quarterback for the Bears.
Here is a look at how the Bears’ other first-round quarterbacks have fared during their time in Chicago:
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Justin Fields (2021-2023)
: 10-28 record, 2,728 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 1,264 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns*
Mitchell Trubisky (2017-2020)
: 29-21 record, 10,606 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, 37 interceptions, 467 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns*
Rex Grossman (2003-2008)
: 19-12 record, 5,619 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 35 interceptions, 273 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns*
Cade McNown (1999-2000)
: 2-13 record, 598 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 28 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown*
Jim Harbaugh (1987-1993)
: 35-30 record, 9,666 passing yards, 58 touchdowns, 59 interceptions, 385 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns*
