LAS VEGAS — Jackson Smith-Njiba and Chris Olave have clear biases when it comes to the franchise-changing quarterback decision that awaits the Bears this offseason.
Smith-Njiba and Olave both played at Ohio State alongside Bears quarterback Justin Fields. They played defense together and won almost every time they took the field. That included advancing to the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, where they lost to Alabama.
In two seasons with Fields, Olabe caught 99 passes for 1,578 yards and 19 touchdowns. Smith-Nijiva caught just 10 passes for 49 yards and one score in his only season with Fields in Columbus, Ohio.
Olave and Smith-Njiba have seen Fields' talent up close and believe that if the Bears were to trade him and draft Caleb Williams this offseason, they would do so at their own peril.
“That's on them,” Smith-Nijiva told NBC Sports on Super Bowl 58 Radio Row about the Bears potentially moving on from Fields. If they did that, I honestly think it would be a good thing for Justin. He is QB1. NFL quarterback. So if that's what they want to do, I think that's fine. ”
Olave and Smith-Nijiva have watched Fields overcome and turn around some tough situations for a young quarterback.
When you watch the Bears, you see a team that thrives on the energy and play of its starting quarterback. The team's success came from Fields, not because of him.
“I think all we've seen is his competitiveness, just his ability to go out and make unconventional plays when the pocket collapses,” Smith-Njiba said. . he's a winner For me, when I watch the Chicago Bears, I see him trying to win. That's what you expect from Justin. That's the winning attitude Justin brings and I know he can get things done. ”
Olave and the New Orleans Saints faced the Bears in Week 9 this season, when Fields was out with a dislocated thumb. He's seen what the Bears are building and how it works with Fields as the triggerman.
What's most impressive to Olave is how his former college teammate has shaken off the constant wave of negativity that comes with being the Bears' starting quarterback.
“That's exactly what he dealt with. There was a lot of negativity. There was a lot of bashing,” Olave said. He's one of the most talented players I've played with. I'm excited to see what they build around him because I know he's one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. ”
Olave and Smith-Nijiva are confident Fields will develop wherever he plays in 2024 and beyond. But the former Buckeye duo believes the shortcut to success for both Fields and the Bears is to draft wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., another former teammate.
“In my eyes, I think that's the best thing for Chicago,” Smith-Njiba said. “If you want a dynamic receiver, a dominant receiver at the moment, an island type of guy who catches every ball, that's it.” Move the chains, score touchdowns, get people's attention, be a leader. If you can, go with Marvin Harrison. ”
Olave laughed when the idea of pairing Fields and Harrison Jr. was brought up, having no doubts about what the Bears should do.
“That's it!” exclaimed Olave, smiling. “Number one nomination!”
General manager Ryan Pauls' calculations will go much deeper than the opinions of two former Buckeyes who are clearly loyal to Fields. He has to do what's best for the franchise long-term, but the best thing for the Bears is likely to be to move on from Fields and draft Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.
But Olave and Smith-Nijiva see what most in the Bears' locker room have seen since Fields' arrival: a talented playmaker who gets better with every snap. The man Olave and Smith-Njiba believe is just getting started. Someday someone on the Bears will regret the trade.
“If they do that, it's their fault,” Olave said. “That's their responsibility.”
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