Bears HC Matt Nagy says Justin Fields, Andy Dalton have 'unbelievable relationship'

Competing for the starting quarterback job hasn't put a strain on the relationship between rookie Justin Fields and veteran Andy Dalton, according to Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy.

"These guys have an unbelievable relationship," Nagy told The MMQB's Albert Breer. "Andy's a huge supporter of Justin. And Justin's a huge supporter of Andy. [Nick Foles is] the same way. When you have that and worry about what you can do to make us and you better, then we'll all be successful."

Breer compared the situation to Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes on the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. However, Smith had a full season as the starter before Mahomes took over a year later. 

In Dalton's case, he might not make it the entire season as Chicago's starter. Fields showed he was capable of being QB1 during the preseason, and Breer previously speculated Fields "will be starting at some point in October."

If Dalton fails to impress Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, then Nagy might have to consider starting Fields before the season even hits October. 

The Bears signed Dalton to a one-year, $10 million deal in March. He spent nine years as a starter for the Cincinnati Bengals before signing a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys as a backup last season.

Fields, meanwhile, was selected by the Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft after leading Ohio State to the national championship game last season.