INDIANAPOLIS – Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles did not directly say he is trading quarterback Justin Fields when he met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday.
But he didn't rule it out either.
The more he talked about Fields, the more it became clear that his move was a real option or scenario being considered by the Bears, who have the first pick in the NFL Draft and could select USC star QB Caleb Williams.
“It just depends on what opportunities present themselves,” said the Poles. “I'll say this: I think you know me well enough now. If we go down this path, I want to please Justin too. Nobody wants to live in gray. I know, this is uncomfortable. I don't want to be in this situation either. So we’re going to gather the information, we’re going to move as quickly as we can, we’re not going to be in a rush and we’re going to see what comes along and what’s best for the organization.”
Everything is on the table for Poles and the Bears, and there shouldn't be a big reveal of his plan on Tuesday.
“Contrary to reports out there, I don’t have a master plan to share with everyone today,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us to continue to gather information, learn more about the different players in the draft, listen to what opportunities might arise, and at the end of the day we will make the best decision we can for the Chicago Bears.”
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Last year, the Bears were in the same spot – holding the No. 1 pick and fields. Poles said that while this time was “unique,” the process would be the same.
“I would say our approach is exactly the same: we have to look at every option and figure out what is best for our team,” he said. “Obviously we decided to trade back last year and I think that helped our team a lot. So we’ll take another deep dive and see how it turns out.”
Fields was often praised by his teammates, especially receiver DJ Moore. Poles said this is part of the Bears' evaluation as they weigh their options.
“He’s a leader,” Poles said. “Everything our guys said is true and it’s no surprise our guys said what they said. I feel the same. I think sometimes the whole thing creates a conflict between Justin and another person and I have to look at it a little differently. I'm taking that into action.
“That’s why the person is so important when we evaluate everyone who is being considered for this position. But it's also my job to think long-term, and a lot of our guys somehow don't see that. It’s not their job to do that and they’re defending their man, which I think speaks volumes about our culture in this locker room.”
However, the NFL seems to be waiting for the Poles. At least teams have started to feel it. It started at the Senior Bowl.
“I know people have been kind of snooping around,” Poles said. “I have never had such big conversations with anyone. But everyone wants to take the temperature of what’s happening.”
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Poles has had discussions with representatives for cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Johnson, who made the Pro Bowl last season, is set to become a free agent. Poles wants to avoid using the franchise tag.
“We feel like we've done a really good job of coming to the table strong and showing the respect that he deserves, just in terms of his performance over the course of his career and especially the turnovers that he's had in the achieved last year,” said Poles. “We assume that things will continue the way he is with the Bears.
“When I say come strong, that means the cash flows are strong, the guarantees are strong, the maturity for him is strong; Given his age, there is a really good opportunity to get back into the market and continue to make money and play well. Hopefully this stays with the Bears for a long time, so I’m looking forward to it.”
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(Photo: Quinn Harris/Getty Images)