Bears general manager Ryan Pole reaffirmed his commitment to quarterback Justin Fields during his Tuesday press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine. But he also didn’t completely close the door on drafting a quarterback at No. 1.
It’s not an indication that the Bears are moving on from Fields, rather Poles is merely doing his due diligence when it comes to evaluating this quarterback class, which features top prospects Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.
Poles has been fielding calls about the No. 1 pick, as the expectation is Fields will remain Chicago’s starting quarterback. But even though Poles has left the door slightly open on potentially drafting a quarterback, he said he hasn’t received any trade offers for Fields yet.
“It’s really just starter conversations right now,” Poles said. “Nothing specific about players, picks and all that. It’s just interest.”
And there’s sure to be plenty of interest. After all, there are anywhere from eight to 12 teams who could turn to a new quarterback this offseason. The Bears are banking on a number of them to be willing to trade up to the first overall pick — and hand over substantial capital.
Poles confirmed the reports that the Bears’ ideal scenario would be trading back from No. 1, an indication that Chicago isn’t actively looking to move off from Fields — only that Poles is going to do his homework on this quarterback draft class.
“I think that’s always been the case, we’ve always leaned that way,” Poles said. “Because Justin did some really nice things and I’m really excited about where his game is going to go. But at the same time, when you sit in our situation, No. 1 overall, you have to do your due diligence. You have to investigate everything. You have to spend time with those guys, just to make sure we’re making the right decision.”
Poles said the plan — “right now” — is for Fields to be the Bears’ starting quarterback in 2023. And barring one of these quarterback prospects absolutely blowing him away to the point of altering the current plan in place, that plan will solidify if/when Poles is able to move that top selection. Perhaps even as early as before free agency.
