Success at quarterback often goes hand in hand with success at offensive tackle. It is rare, though not unheard of, to see a star quarterback thrive without having his book-ends solidified. He does, after all, have little time if the edges of the pocket are continually condensed. If you’re a general manager and you’re staking out your future in a young passer, it would not be a stretch to call a lack of tackle investment malpractice.
Whatever the Bears hope to become in the coming years rests on the mind, arm, and legs of Justin Fields. He won’t able to consistently push the ball downfield the way Chicago’s offense needs if pressure is constantly in his face before he can even set his feet.