Exec Reveals Why Ryan Poles Is Too Scared To Trade Justin Fields

Will Justin Fields be traded or not? That is the question dominating discussions around the Chicago Bears right now. GM Ryan Poles stated the current plan is for the quarterback to be the starter in 2023. The only way that changes is if one of the QBs in the upcoming draft blows him away. Experts are split on the possibility of that happening. Some think Fields improved enough in 2022 to deserve more time. Others feel Bryce Young of Alabama, despite the concerns about his size, has shown more prowess as an NFL-caliber passer. Trading Fields and taking him is the way to go.

It isn't an easy decision for Poles. One NFL executive spoke to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports about the situation. He believes the Bears GM won't trade Fields, but not for the reason most people think. It will be motivated by fear.

"I know he didn't draft him, but I don't think now is the time to sell on Fields," a front office member for a team not expected to be in trade talks for the No. 1 pick told NBC Sports Chicago. "He showed enough last season with not a lot around him that trading him is a gamble. If he becomes a star elsewhere, that's going to be your legacy unless the guy you draft is better. I'd be shocked if they traded him."

This is a crucial point. Fields would stand above everybody in the 2023 class from a pure talent perspective. He had a productive season last year despite a less-than-ideal situation around him. If Poles abandons him now and he ends up thriving elsewhere, the only thing that would save his job would be if the replacement ended up a Hall of Famer. That is a dangerously slim margin of error.

Ryan Poles understands the value of patience.

He saw it play out during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. The team acquired Alex Smith in 2013 via trade. The veteran became a decent starter for the next few seasons, helping them make the playoffs multiple times. However, by the end of 2015, it was becoming apparent Smith couldn't elevate them in January. Calls started going out for a change at quarterback., but the Chiefs stayed the course in 2016, not wanting to rush such an important decision. Then the opportunity came in 2017. They saw Patrick Mahomes as a future superstar and traded up for him. Now they're the NFL's next dynasty.

That is likely the approach Ryan Poles will take. Don't give up on a quarterback simply because he wasn't great after one season in a new offense with little help. Spend 2023 upgrading the roster around him, just like the Chiefs did with Smith. Give him a proper supporting cast. If there are no signs of progress by 2024, the team will be in a far better position to welcome a young quarterback. Poles will also be far more justified in the decision to move on by then.