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INDIANAPOLIS – Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles did not outright say he will trade 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 I talked about Fields, the clearer it became that moving him is a real option or scenario being considered by the Bears, who have the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and could select USC star quarterback Caleb Williams.
“It just depends on the opportunities that arise.” said the Poles. “I will say this, I think you guys know me pretty well now, if we go down that path, I want to do right by Justin too. Nobody wants to live in grey. I know it’s uncomfortable. I wouldn’t like to be in that situation either. “So we will gather the information, we will act as quickly as possible, we will not be in a hurry and we will see what is presented and what is best for the organization.”
Everything is on the table for the Poles and the Bears, and Tuesday was not going to be a big reveal of their plan.
“Contrary to what is said out there, I don’t have any master plan to present to everyone today,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us to continue to gather information, learn about the different players in the draft, listen to what opportunities might arise and then at the end of the day we will make the best decision we can. can for the Chicago Bears.”
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Last year, the Bears were in the same place: with the No. 1 pick and Fields. The Poles said that although this time is “unique,” the process will be the same.
“I would say our approach is exactly the same in terms of we have to look at each option and determine what is best for our team,” he said. “Obviously, we decided to make changes again last year and I think that helped our team a lot. “So, again, we’ll dig deeper and see how it plays out.”
Fields has frequently been praised by his teammates, especially receiver DJ Moore. Poles said that’s part of the Bears’ evaluation as they consider their options.
“He is a leader,” said the Poles. “Everything our guys have said is true, and I’m not surprised they said what they said. I feel the same. I think sometimes this whole thing becomes… it’s Justin versus someone else and I have to look at it a little differently. I put it into effect.
“That’s why the person is so important when we evaluate all the people who would fill that position. But it’s also my job to think long term and a lot of our guys don’t see that. “It’s not their job to do that and they stand up for their guy, which I think says a lot about our culture in that locker room.”
The NFL, however, appears to be waiting for the Poles. At least, the teams have begun to feel it. It all started at the Senior Bowl.
“I know people were snooping around,” Poles said. “I haven’t had important conversations with anyone. But everyone wants to take the temperature of what is happening.”
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The Poles have had conversations with cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s representatives. Johnson, who went to the Pro Bowl last season, will be a free agent. The Poles want 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’s due to him just in terms of his production throughout his career and really an emphasis on the turnovers that he created last year,” Poles said. “Our expectation is that this will continue while he is with the Bears.
“When I say strong, that means the cash flows are strong, the collateral is strong, the term is strong for him; “At his age, there’s a very good opportunity to get back on the market again and continue to make money and play well and I hope it’s with the Bears for a long period of time, so I’m excited about that.”
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(Photo: Quinn Harris/Getty Images)