The biggest topic of discussion heading into the NFL Combine week is what the Chicago Bears are going to do with Justin Fields and the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Many believe the Bears are set to take USC QB Caleb Williams with the first selection, setting up a scenario where Fields will then be traded.
However, it is not a foregone conclusion at this time, and in an open media session in front of the league ahead of this week’s Combine festivities, Bears GM Ryan Poles got a chance to address the matter and share his thought process.
Bears GM Ryan Poles Provides Update on Trade Talks
When you hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, the possibilities are endless, but Poles told the media on Tuesday morning that everything is still fluid and being worked out as they speak.
#Bears GM Ryan Poles says he hasn’t had any “big-time conversations” with teams about possibly trading out of No. 1 but a lot of clubs have checked in to take the “temperature.” Says it would have to “help our organization significantly” to trade out.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 27, 2024
“Bears GM Ryan Poles says he hasn’t had any ‘big-time conversations’ with teams about possibly trading out of No. 1 but a lot of clubs have checked in to take the ‘temperature.’ Says it would have to ‘help our organization significantly’ to trade out,” says NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Garafolo’s colleague Andrew Siciliano added further context to Poles’ comments, alluding to him saying, “If we do go down that [trade] road, I want to do right by Justin.”
Siciliano also said that Poles cleared up any “master plan” at the QB position and re-emphasized that it is all still a work in progress.
“Now the hot topic…Contrary to reports, I do not have a master [QB] plan to present to you today.”
Furthermore, when speaking about any trade, Poles only has one goal in mind, and that is to do everything to make the team better.
“I’m looking for that kind of return to continue to improve our football team.”
As expected, there is still much to be sorted out in the next couple of months, as the Bears have some big-time decisions to be made. No matter what the Bears decide to do with the first pick or Fields, their goal is clear: make their football team better and treat Fields with respect throughout the process as they decide what his football future looks like.
KEEP READING: Bears WR DJ Moore Continues Support of Justin Fields Over NFL Draft QB Prospects
We may have gotten a look into the mind of the Bears’ brain trust, but there are still more questions than answers right now as the situation unfolds in the Windy City leading up to April’s NFL Draft.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
