The Chicago Bears‘ offseason has been one of the busiest in recent memory.
Not only have they been very aggressive in signing free agents, but trading away the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers yielded a massive return.
In a recent spot on the Rich Eisen Show, GM Ryan Poles discussed this move, among other topics.
When asked about sticking with Justin Fields, and trading this pick away, Poles said, “I was really encouraged by the way Justin [Fields] played.”
🗣️ Ryan Poles
The biggest move of the #NFL offseason was the one not made — the @ChicagoBears GM talked us through keeping Justin Fields and trading the first pick to Carolina:#NFLTrainingCamp #GoBears pic.twitter.com/azkMaVKtGg
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) July 31, 2023
Fields was a polarizing quarterback prospect for many across the league.
Given the lack of success that he found in his first season, many believed that the Bears wasted a pick and that they should have already moved on from him.
However, he took a step forward last year, totaling 2,242 passing yards, and 1,143 rushing yards.
Fields has since claimed that he’ll pass for 4,000 yards this season, which would be the first time in franchise history.
Poles seemed to agree with this statement, at least, agreeing that Fields should take another step forward as a passer.
“I’m excited to see him take the next step as a passer,” Poles said.
The organization is ready to keep pressing on with Fields at the helm, despite their doubters.
It certainly helps that they were able to capitalize on the value of the No. 1 pick as well.
In their trade with the Panthers, the Bears acquired D.J. Moore, who has already established great chemistry with Fields in training camp.
Will Fields and the rest of the roster take the step forward that Poles is anticipating?
NEXT: Dan Orlovsky Makes MVP Projection For NFC North QB
