As the Super Bowl dominates headlines, discussions regarding the upcoming NFL offseason have also gained momentum. For the Chicago Bears, a team that struggled to make a mark in the playoffs this season, the most significant decision lies in their hands. Holding the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, courtesy of a trade with the Panthers before last year's draft, the Bears have the opportunity to kickstart their future by selecting a talented quarterback.

With a quarterback class teeming with potential, Chicago finds itself in a prime position to secure a top-tier signal-caller. While enticing prospects like Drake Maye and Caleb Williams have garnered attention, the Bears already have their own promising quarterback in the form of Justin Fields. Fields, drafted in 2021 as the 11th overall pick, has showcased his big-play ability on numerous occasions, although struggles with consistency and injuries have plagued his progress.

Fans and analysts alike are divided in their opinions on Fields' potential and whether his weaknesses can be attributed to a lackluster supporting cast and coaching staff or personal shortcomings. However, rather than evaluating the quarterbacks in this year's class, the focus shifts towards the options that lie ahead for Bears' general manager Ryan Poles.

One potential route for the Bears is to keep Fields and build around him, placing their faith in his growth and development. Alternatively, they could explore trading Fields and retaining the No. 1 pick, allowing them to extract significant value from desperate teams in search of a franchise quarterback from the current class.

To assess the potential trade value of the top pick, previous deals involving quarterbacks and the rookie slotting system provide some insights. While recent transactions like the Deshaun Watson deal and the moves made by the Denver Broncos for Russell Wilson have shown that picks can fluctuate in their value, teams making offers to the Bears are likely to use past deals as a starting point.

Considering these factors, evaluating the value of future picks becomes crucial, as teams engaged in such deals are often looking several years down the line to contend. By using a combination of historical draft charts and regressed expectations, a fair assessment can be made regarding the value the Bears should expect in return for their top pick.

Possible trade scenarios and options, such as including additional players in the trade, are also worth exploring. Additionally, the question of whether the Bears should consider selecting a non-quarterback at No. 1 arises, depending on their assessment of Fields and the available prospects.

As the offseason unfolds, Chicago's decision will undoubtedly shape the franchise's future trajectory. With multiple teams potentially vying for Fields' services or the No. 1 pick, the Bears hold the key to determining whom they will select and how they will rebuild their team.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether the Bears will embrace Fields' potential or leverage the opportunity to secure a valuable package in exchange for their top pick. The coming months promise to be an exciting time for Chicago and its football faithful, as they eagerly await the unveiling of the Bears' strategy for the 2024 NFL Draft.