There’s no denying that Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have an obvious prejudice regarding the franchise-changing quarterback choice that the Bears will make this offseason.
At Ohio State, Smith-Njigba and Olave were teammates with Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Bears. Together, they tore up defenses and triumphed practically every time they took the field, even making it all the way to the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2021 before falling to Alabama.
Olave caught 99 receptions for 1,578 yards and 19 touchdowns in his two seasons with Fields. In Smith-Njigba’s lone season with Fields in Columbus, Ohio, he only caught 10 receptions for 49 yards and one touchdown.
Having witnessed firsthand Fields’ brilliance, Olave and Smith-Njigba feel the Bears will be taking a risk if they deal him this offseason in order to choose Caleb Williams.
Regarding the Bears possibly moving on from Fields, Smith-Njigba told NBC Sports at Super Bowl 58 Radio Row, “That’s on them.” “Well, that’s on them, shhh. To be honest, I think Justin will do well if they follow that route. He is a quarterback. an NFL quarterback. So I suppose it’s okay if that’s what they want to do.
Olave and Smith-Njigba had witnessed Fields escape a dire circumstance that was unfavorable for a rookie quarterback.
They see a team that thrives on the play and intensity of its starting quarterback when they watch the Bears. a group that succeeds because of Fields, not against him.
When the pocket collapses, Smith-Njigba added, “I think what we have seen is just his competitive nature, just him going out there making unorthodox plays.” We observe his tunnel vision, his ability to make plays, and his general competitiveness. He succeeds. That’s what I see in him trying to win when I watch the Chicago Bears. You anticipate that from Justin. Justin has a winning mentality, and I have no doubt that he can accomplish his goals.
Olave and the New Orleans Saints faced the Bears this season in Week 9 when Fields was out with a dislocated thumb. He has seen what the Bears are building and how it could function with Fields as the trigger man.
To Olave, what’s impressed him most is how his former college teammate has shrugged off the wave of negativity that is constantly hitting him as the starting quarterback of the Bears.
“Just what he’s dealt with. A lot of negativity. A lot of bash,” Olave said. “I’m excited. He’s one of the most talented players I played with. I know he’s one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, so I’m excited for what they build around him.”
Olave and Smith-Njigba are confident Fields will thrive wherever he plays in 2024 and beyond. But the former Buckeye duo sees a quick path for success both for Fields and the Bears — drafting another former teammate in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
“I think that’s the best move for Chicago in my eyes,” Smith-Njigba said. “If you want a dynamic receiver, a dominant receiver right now, a person that’s on an island that’s going to catch every single ball, that’s going to move the chains, that’s going to score you touchdowns, that’s going to show people and be a leader, I say you go with Marvin Harrison.”
Olave laughed when the idea of pairing Fields with Harrison Jr. was brought up before leaving no doubt about what the Bears should do.
“That’s the one!” Olave exclaimed, smiling. “Number one pick!”
General manager Ryan Poles’ calculus will go much deeper than the opinions of two former Buckeyes whose allegiance clearly lies with Fields. He has to do what’s best for the franchise long term, and there’s a good chance that what’s best for the Bears is to move on from Fields and draft Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.
But Olave and Smith-Njigba see what most in the Bears’ locker room have seen since Fields arrived: a talented playmaker who is getting better with each snap. Someone who Olave and Smith-Njigba believe is just getting started. Someone the Bears will one day regret trading.