New Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been busy fixing some of the messes left by former GM Ryan Pace, which includes getting younger and getting rid of some bad contracts.
But for Poles’ promise to build around quarterback Justin Fields, he hasn’t really lived up to that this offseason. Chicago has signed wide receivers Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown and offensive linemen Lucas Patrick and Dakota Dozier.
Those moves, while some smart and calculated, don’t exactly scream going all-in on your hopeful franchise quarterback.
Following Fields’ rocky rookie season, which had a lot to do with his supporting cast and his former head coach, there’s now a concern that Fields could face similar difficult circumstances in Year 2.
Sure, the Bears still have the NFL draft and what’s left of free agency, where there aren’t a lot of options. But Chicago has just six draft picks and pressing needs across the roster, from offense to defense.
It’s clear Poles still has a lot of work to do to surround Fields with the talent — both weapons and protection up front — to ensure his success in 2022.
Here’s what has NFL fans concerned about the lack of building around Fields so far this offseason.
