Bears GM Ryan Poles hints at possibly trading Chicago’s No.1 pick despite having a chance to draft Caleb Williams

Bears general manager Ryan Poles responded to keeping his options open and wait till the draft.

Bears GM Ryan Poles hints at possibly trading Chicago’s No.1 pick despite having a chance to draft Caleb Williams

Justin Fields, Caleb Williams and Ryan Poles (Image via IMAGO/X)

Justin Fields has done enough to convince general manager Ryan Poles not to exercise Chicago Bears’ No. 1 draft pick luxury. During Wednesday’s press brief, the media was expecting to hear about a clear picture of the 24-year-old’s future with the Bears.

Poles played his part shrewdly. He gave away just enough to suggest Fields is safe for another year, but also hinted at the possibility of looking at all the possible options they have at their disposal. Without the reporters even asking a single question, he stated that he was aware of being asked several questions about their quarterback.

YouTube video

Poles said,

FS Video
I know there’s going to be a lot of questions about Justin. There’s going to be a lot of questions about the draft process. We are in information-gathering mode right now. We are going to turn every stone to make sure that we are going to make a sound decision for our organization.

While head coach Matt Eberflus isn’t going anywhere despite the 10-24 record, he wasn’t the one who drafted Fields. Usually, coaches tend to add players whom they think would fit their system. And even though Fields improved drastically at the end of the 2023 season—almost made the playoffs—a thin layer of cloud still shrouds his future at Soldier Field.

Justin got better. I think he can lead this team. But at the same time, there’s a unique situation where I have to look at our staff; that’s exactly what we’re going to do, and that’s the same with free agency, I am wide open to anything if someone wants to call me with an idea that's fine.
Poles added

Matt Eberflus agreed with Ryan Poles about Justin Fields

The Chicago Bears drafted Justin Fields back in the 2021 NFL Draft as the 11th overall pick. During that time, the Ohio State graduate has won only 10 games and lost 28. Five of those came at the tail end of the 2024 season.

Bears GM Ryan Poles hints at possibly trading Chicago's No.1 pick despite having a chance to draft Caleb Williams Justin Fields
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (Image via ESPN)

However, he was 5-8, had thrown for 2,562 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and ran for 657 yards and four touchdowns.

We love where Justin is right now. He’s done a good job growing. In the interceptions, keeping those down, and the sack totals, he’s doing a good job with that. He will continue to grow as we grow as a football team.

head coach Matt Eberflus said

The Bears have a horrible track record of not using their high draft picks wisely. Last year, they passed on the opportunity to sign current Houston quarterback CJ Stroud.

It will be more or less the same in the upcoming one in a few months. There will be players such as Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr., and Jayden Daniels up for grabs.

Chicago’s offense ranked 17th in offensive points per game (20.4, the highest since 2018). Not only that, the passing offense improved from rock bottom to 27th (182.1 yards per game), while the Bears owned the NFL’s No. 2 rushing offense (141.1 yards per game).

A general manager’s job is to think about what’s best for the organization. Poles can either stay with Fields or build around him. Maybe draft a couple of lights-out wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Rome Odunze. On the other hand, adding generational talents like Williams or Daniels could be more beneficial.

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