People have it in their heads that the Chicago Bears missed the bus on Justin Fields. They had a chance to trade him, asked for too much in return, and watched as QB-needy teams chose to go elsewhere for help. Russell Wilson signed with Pittsburgh. Kirk Cousins went to Atlanta. Gardner Minshew landed in Las Vegas. The options appear gone. However, the truth isn’t always as simple as that. There is much more going into the Bears’ decision-making process than perceived price.
According to Ian Rapoport, the reality is GM Ryan Poles hasn’t actively shopped Fields. They’ve heard offers but have been reluctant to engage in anything. Why? That is because they haven’t yet made their decision at quarterback. While the assumption remains they will take somebody #1 overall, the evaluation process is ongoing. They still must attend pro days and hold private meetings with all the top quarterbacks. It would be irresponsible in their minds to unload Fields until they are sure which direction they are going.
Justin Fields has no choice but to wait.
One can’t fault the Bears for this thinking. While it may have cost them leverage in any trade talks, they at least understand the gravity of the decision. They want to be sure it is the right one before unloading a quarterback that the locker room and many fans love. Poles may feel there will be interested teams even close to the draft. As Rapoport mentioned, Josh Rosen was traded on the second day of the 2019 NFL draft for 2nd and 5th round picks. It isn’t crazy to think the Bears can pull off something similar with Fields.
Teams can change their minds on quarterbacks remarkably fast in the NFL. They might be comfortable with their options in the draft right now, but what if your plan doesn’t come to fruition and you miss on your preferred guy. That is when you start panicking. A decision must be made. Do you opt for another rookie option you’re less excited about or do you gamble on Justin Fields? The Bears believe there will be at least one team ready to choose the second option next month.
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@Tred @Arnie Your perspectives are well thought out and business savvy. Ryan Poles shouldn’t be drafting or running a team based on “face” or getting himself to remain, or fired. But the fact is, all general managers are more closely associated with the success of failure of the coaches they hire or fire. It isn’t as easy to predict how players will produce, as how teams do. Coaches have control over the growth and development over all areas of the team. If certain player groups don’t develop, it isn’t the player, but the coach (or coaches). The Bears can win… Read more »
For weeks now reporters were telling us the Bears are looking to trade Justin Fields but Ryan Poles NEVER SAID SO. It was always the press telling us Fields was gone and Williams would be our next QB. But it was all smoke and mirrors made up by a press that loves to hear itself talk even when a GM doesn’t.
T-3 hours.
Or they aren’t planning on trading JF1 and that’s why they aren’t shopping him. Certainly, none of the so-called insiders know anything for certain. The only people that can answer that question are sitting in Halas Hall and they’re not spilling any beans. Pure speculation is all anyone has. I’m more focused on free agency at this point.
@PoochPest – that’s an interesting take. Especially considering you believe the Bears are nowhere near done rebuilding. If you’re right, and Poles agrees with you, then I’d really expect him to think carefully about trading the number one pick. Even Johnny Unitas couldn’t win with a mediocre team around him. It’s doubtful Caleb Williams can, either. What’s more interesting – the Bears might be able to get a *very* team friendly extension done with with Fields given the current market. If they do that, his value -both to the Bears, and other teams – only increases. I’m not saying they… Read more »