Bears GM Ryan Poles On Why Chicago Traded Justin Fields To Pittsburgh This Offseason

Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles was recently on The Rich Eisen Show and was asked about trading Justin Fields. Eisen wondered why this specific offseason was the proper time to move on from the 25-year-old quarterback and if Caleb Williams in the 2024 draft class made the difference.

Ryan Poles Comments On Justin Fields

When Rich Eisen asked Ryan Poles to walk him through the process and mindset of trading Justin Fields, the Bears GM said:

Poles continued by praising Fields' work ethic, skill, and knowledge of football. He acknowledged that trading Fields was difficult and that with time, the Bears were forced to go in a different direction. 

Eisen asked if the quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class made the decision for Poles easier than it was when they had the first overall pick in 2023. Poles responded by describing how the Bears wanted to build around Fields. 

They brought in DJ Moore and some offensive line help while Cole Kmet was improving, becoming a real threat on Chicago's offense. What the Bears were doing was slowly working. But as the season progressed, it became clear that Chicago would own the first pick again thanks to the Carolina Panthers.

Eisen then pivoted to inquire why Poles agreed to send Justin Fields somewhere he wanted to go. Eisen asked, "What are you willing to share about Justin wanting to go to Pittsburgh and you sending him to a spot where he preferred?"

Poles replied:

Poles gave Chicago Bears fans a form of closure with these comments. When the Bears hired Ryan Poles, it was to break a cycle of mediocrity and he's doing it his way. For years to come, fans will debate whether or not trading Justin Fields was the right decision.

If the Bears select Caleb Williams first overall and he actually is a generational talent, then it won't matter what fans wanted before. When the Bears are successful, any stains are covered and the fanbase can breathe a sigh of relief. But like any professional sports team, if they start losing again, every step the Bears take will be scrutinized down to the last detail.

Only time will tell what the future of this historic franchise brings and if there's a championship involved, no one will remember how little of a return Ryan Poles got for Justin Fields. At least those concerned for Fields' future can take solace in knowing the Bears didn't screw over one of their best offensive players in several years.