Bears' Andy Dalton planning to start over rookie Justin Fields

Former Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback Andy Dalton signed with the Chicago Bears in March to serve as QB1 ahead of anybody else on the roster, including Ohio State Buckeyes star and first-round selection Justin Fields.

Dalton spoke with reporters Wednesday and explained Fields' existence in the QB room isn't altering his preparations this spring or summer. 

"I knew the situation I was going into regardless of if they drafted somebody or they didn't," Dalton said, per Grant Gordon of the NFL's website. "I was on a one-year deal and I was going to be the starter. So, my mindset didn't have to change. I already knew that I'm going to do everything I can to be the best player I can for this team and to help us win a lot of football games. And that's been my goal since the very beginning. Whatever happens after this year, happens. My mindset didn't change just because they drafted Justin." 

Last month, Fields unveiled his mentality and said he's "going to do everything" possible to leapfrog Dalton on the depth chart. Head coach Matt Nagy has insisted Dalton is taking the starter's snaps until further notice, but the 33-year-old will have to guide the Bears to more than just a few wins this fall to keep Fields a spectator through November and December.