Justin Fields Instagram Drama Is True Sign NFL Offseason Has Begun

This NFL offseason, less than two weeks removed from Super Bowl LVIII, may still be young, though a lack of on-field entertainment has already pushed discourse around the league to the annual tradition of reading far too much into a player's social media activity.

Consider Justin Fields the latest center of this online attention.

The Chicago Bears quarterback recently unfollowed the franchise on Instagram, which caused a stir on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday. Endless heaps of online speculation ensued surrounding what this means for the 24-year-old's future in Chicago. While the Bears continue to ponder whether to stick with Fields or draft a quarterback—Caleb Williams—with the No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, many saw these Instagram actions as a sign of bad blood, or perhaps even an act of laying breadcrumbs that a parting of ways was officially in the works. But the real answer may let down these internet investigators.

Fields relayed a much simpler explanation during an appearance on Wednesday's St. Brown Bros Podcast with teammate Equanimeous St. Brown and Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

"Since we're here, what's with the unfollow of the Bears?" Amon-Ra asked his NFC North rival on the podcast. "What's up with that?"

"Bro, I'm glad we're talking about it," Fields answered with a grin. "Why do people take social media so seriously ... I still mess with the Bears. I'm just trying to take a little break. I unfollowed the Bears and the NFL, bro. I'm not just trying to have football on my timeline ... Just because you don't follow a girl on IG don't mean you're not messin' with her."

"That's true, that's true." Equanimeous said. "That's facts."

Fields, who said he is about to embark on a European vacation, explained how every Bears post he sees debates whether to keep him, or draft Williams. That, clearly, has grown tiring. But if this Instagram fiasco is any indication, interest won't die down until a decision is made.

Chicago, also in control of the No. 9 overall pick, is selecting first for the second draft in a row, this time courtesy of last year's trade with the Carolina Panthers. Williams, USC's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, is the consensus top prospect on the board, leaving Chicago with both a luxury and a dilemma of sorts—draft the potential once-in-a-generation QB and deal Fields for picks, or hope that Fields establishes himself as a franchise player and move out of No. 1 again for what could be a historic haul. Either way, Fields would like a decision soon.

"Of course I want to stay," Fields said on the podcast, continuing his first public comments since the end of the regular season. "To be honest, with all the talk, it's hard ... I can't see myself playing in another place. I know how the league is. If it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city is lit. The fans are great, all the people. It's a business I ain't got no control over. Whatever happens, happens.

"I feel like the biggest thing with all this going on right now—I just want it to be over. Just let me know if I'm getting traded, let me know if I'm staying."

A popular trade destination for Fields among pundits has been the Atlanta Falcons, a franchise that just missed the postseason last year in large part because of subpar QB play. And a trade to Atlanta would just so happen to return the former Georgia and Ohio State signal-caller to his home state. As noted by the St. Brown brothers, Fields happens to follow Falcons wide receiver Drake London on Instagram, surely another clue to be pounced on by social media sleuths.

Or maybe not.

The Bears QB clarified that he has done so "for a minute" and also follows a variety of opposing NFL players on his platforms. That vacation surely can't come soon enough. Perhaps by its end, Fields, clearly eager for an answer, will have one regarding his football future.

Over his first three NFL seasons, the 6-foot-3, 228-pounder has established himself as one of the league's premier dual-threat quarterbacks, though has largely left something to be desired through the air. Among qualified passers last season, Fields ranked 29th in completion percentage, 22nd in passer rating, 23rd in interception percentage, 22nd in passing yards and 20th in TDs, per Pro Football Reference. Then there's the matter of a possible contract extension if Chicago puts its trust in him.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles said in January that he would have to be "blown away" to take a QB at No. 1 in the draft.

"I'll just stay very wide open with the different paths that we go," Poles said at the time. "And as we collect information, if that closes some of those pathways down, then we'll move to some of the other ones. But I'm going to be wide open about this."

Until that wide-open mindset turns into an eventual decision, Fields will continue to be at the center of perhaps the offseason's biggest storyline. For now, a league desperate for something to chew on—at least the scouting combine is close—is seeking something to grasp at, and in a true sign that the offseason has kicked off, Instagram drama will have to do.