Another recently published story lists several AFC GMs, all saying they would trade Justin Fields. This time, the story was written by Yahoo Sports Senior Reporter Charles Robinson. Websites everywhere picked up the story. Bears’ websites are writing articles spreading the story like wildfire. Our own Bears writer, Erik Lambert, has posted the story in his unique style.
Just as quickly, questions arose, poking holes in Robinson’s story. Valid questions that cast obvious doubt as to the validity of the story.
The question asked to these conveniently “Unnamed GMs” was, “Should the Bears keep Fields or trade him elsewhere?”
Immediately, this question has flaws. The answers coming from anonymous sources only suggest what these GMs would do. They weren’t asked, “What would you do if YOU were Ryan Poles….? which would have been the proper question. The answers might change based on the question asked.
This story comes as Fields has shown marked improvement over his last 17 games. In fact, Robinson lists these improvements in the same article: More patience in the pocket and running to balance his game rather than falling out of structure. He is missing more wide-open throws.
Drafting a QB is and always will be a crapshoot. There are far more misses than hits. For every Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson, there are far more QB draft choices recently that have not panned out.
The answers from these NAMELESS general managers must also be looked at suspiciously. None of those mentioned know how Poles feels about his quarterback. Poles could be thrilled with Justin’s growth and maturity over his last 17 full games. His teammates love him. Most of the fan base wants to see him lead this team for years to come.
Are these nameless entities trying to control the narrative? How many of these so-called GMs are in need of a QB? Rumors like these could be a strategy to drive the asking price down in trade talks.
Ryan Poles has done two things extremely well. He keeps his cards close to the vest, and he loves to add draft capital to build the team with new talent via the draft. No man interviewed in the Yahoo Sports story offered a first-round selection in return for the Bears’ third-year signal caller. Trading the first pick in the 2024 draft would return multiple draft choices, including two 1st round picks.
Not one person interviewed in the Yahoo Sports story has any insight as to what Ryan Poles will do. No one will know until Poles is ready to show his hand.
