The Chicago Bears three-year relationship with Justin Fields ended promptly when the organization made the decision to trade the quarterback early in the offseason to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears hold the first pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and are expected to select USC’s highly-rated quarterback Caleb Williams.
The decision to move on from Fields was not an easy one according to general manager Ryan Poles. The 25-year-old had developed into a fan favorite with the Chicago fanbase. He has evolved into one of the game’s top dual-threat quarterbacks and is coming off the best NFL season of his career. Despite a section of the fanbase desperate to stick with Fields, Poles job is to make the tough decisions.
“One of the harder things I had to do…having that conversation with my own son was hard. His jersey is up in his room. So, it kind of puts that into perspective of how difficult those moves are,” said Poles.
#Bears GM Ryan Poles on trading Justin Fields: pic.twitter.com/eLDT2FvOa5
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) March 25, 2024
The third-year GM was speaking at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting on Monday when he addressed the issue of Justin and his departure. He stated that it was difficult day and he even went to head coach Matt Eberflus’ house so they could call Fields together about the decision.
Fields is in the final year of his rookie contract and will likely play the role of backup behind nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh.
The Bears seem to have their sights firmly set on Caleb Williams. Poles has done an exceptional job to bring in complimentary pieces for Williams, with running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver Keenan Allen both signed during the offseason.
