Ryan Poles didn't offer any definitive idea of what the Chicago Bears will do at quarterback during his scouting combine presser. Nobody should be shocked by that. He's not going to declare anything. For one, it robs him of any leverage he might have in trade negotiations. For another, he may be telling the truth and the team hasn't yet reached a decision. Then again, Poles didn't need long to decide last year. He had a pretty good idea of what he would do by the combine in 2023. There is every reason to think he has at least an outline of a plan by now.
Greg Gabriel was a former scout and personnel director for the Bears through most of the 2000s and early 2010s. He still has several friends around the league and likely connections inside Halas Hall. While not prone to breaking news, hearing when he has something to say is always interesting. His latest statement feels like a big one. For the longest time, people felt the decision for the Bears was down to two possibilities. They would either trade Justin Fields and select a QB at #1 overall or trade #1 and keep Fields.
Apparently, from what Gabriel hears, it is neither.
Ryan Poles' plan might be coming into focus.
It requires some dot-connecting. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog recently said the Washington Commanders are being extra aggressive in their attempts to trade for the #1 pick. Meanwhile, it appears the market for Fields is forming as well. The idea seems to be as follows. Chicago trades the 1st pick to Washington for #1, a 2nd round pick this year, and their 1st round pick next year. Fields is traded to a new team, likely for a 2nd round pick and a Day 3 pick. Then the Bears take their quarterback of preference at #2 while having secured an extra 1st rounder in 2025.
The obvious idea is Washington will move up for Caleb Williams. So this decision hinges on Ryan Poles' belief that the USC standout is not the best QB in this class, despite what many evaluators think. Perhaps he feels Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or even J.J. McCarthy are better options. The fact Poles' phone hasn't stopped ringing since the Senior Bowl suggests he hasn't shut down trade talks. If he truly had his guy, as many in the media say, there would be nothing to discuss.
This feels like a scenario that is far more plausible than people realize.
