When the Chicago Bears signed Andy Dalton in the offseason, it sent their fan base into a slight anger and had them mocking the pickup on social media. When the Bears traded up in the 2021 NFL Draft and selected Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, that anger turned to happiness.

Many expect Dalton will still be the starter to begin the season for the Bears, and that's his expectation as well. Dalton spoke on his situation and his circumstances via the Chicago Sun Times.

“He’s a first-round pick, I understand that,’’ Dalton said. ‘‘But I also understand that I’m the starter. I understand that. I knew I signed a one-year deal. I knew that I was going to come in and I was going to be the starter, regardless of the situation, coming in. That’s my focus. I’m not worried about all the stuff that’s going to be going on with Justin because that doesn’t affect me.”

Article Continues Below
More Chicago Bears News
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) looks on during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall.
Insider reveals Bears Ben Johnson’s massive 2-week impact on Caleb WilliamsJake Faigus ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
ESPN gives 49ers, Bears, Patriots best chance of biggest turnaroundDouglas Fritz ·
May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Bears fans loving Ben Johnson’s constructive Caleb Williams criticismBen Strauss ·
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions from the media during the NFL Annual League Meeting.
Bears’ DJ Moore reveals Ben Johnson’s body language warningJosh Davis ·
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during minicamp at Halas Hall.
Bears building around Caleb Williams the right way, per Adam SchefterZachary Weinberger ·
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) speaks during minicamp at Halas Hall.
Bears TE Cole Kmet does 180 on ‘surprise’ top 2025 NFL Draft pickBen Strauss ·

Dalton's thoughts seem to be fairly rational on the situation in Chicago but the big issue is that it's almost a foregone conclusion that at the first sign of any struggles, Bears fans and others will be pleading for Fields to be inserted as the starting quarterback.

The role for Dalton reverses what his gig was supposed to be last year with the Cowboys, as the backup for Dak Prescott. But after Prescott suffered a season ending injury, Dalton was named the starter for the long run and he parlayed it into his gig with the Bears. Now, he'll look to build off the momentum he gained a season ago in Dallas.