Bears GM Ryan Poles arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine without a “master plan” when it comes to the team’s plans at quarterback, which comes with far-reaching consequences around the league.
Poles did, however, explain how the Bears would theoretically handle a trade of current quarterback Justin Fields, which adds credence to the belief the team is leaning in that direction.
“It just depends on what opportunities pop up,” Poles told the Chicago media about the timing of a potential Fields trade.
“I will say this: If we go down that road, I wanna do right by Justin as well. No one wants to live in gray. I know that’s uncomfortable. I wouldn’t wanna be in that situation either. So, we’ll gather the information. We’ll move as quickly as possible. We’re not gonna be in a rush. And (we’ll) see what presents itself and what’s best for the organization.”
The Bears have had three seasons to evaluate Fields, 24, with Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus running the team for the past two.
For the second straight season, the Bears have the No. 1 pick.
A year ago, they traded it to the Panthers for a massive haul that included star receiver DJ Moore and the 2024 first-round selection that turned into the top pick again.
Would they do the same again after improving from 3-14 to 7-10?
Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, showed some improvements, but it may not be enough for the Bears to pass up on a potential generational talent in USC star quarterback Caleb Williams.
There were some whispers that Williams, 22, was not keen on playing in Chicago, however, Poles said he was not worried about that scenario.
“No. No. No concerns about that at all,” Poles said. “I would love to know why, if that was the case. Like I said, I think as a young quarterback, and I’ve been around it, the infrastructure is important, and I think we’ve made really good progress in terms of having really good infrastructure for whoever were to come in or if Justin were to stay here as well.”