Insider Confirms Bears Are Exploring Justin Fields Trade Options

As much as Chicago Bears fans might hate it, the Justin Fields trade talk isn't going away. It probably won't until the 1st round of the draft ends and the team doesn't select a quarterback. Until then, this is something people should get used to. What makes it more unsettled is how several people who have worked inside the league believe it's possible. Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp even said he's hearing the Bears are thinking about trading Fields and going with Bryce Young of Alabama instead.

It feels too early to believe GM Ryan Poles has reached such a conclusion. He hasn't even met with any of the top quarterbacks in this draft class yet. The Senior Bowl and scouting combine remain ahead. There is much work to do before making a decision. Even so, the Fields buzz remains ongoing. Top insider Benjamin Allbright was the latest to join the action. He is one of the most well-connected people out there, so it was interesting to see his answer when asked whether the smoke around Fields was legitimate.

Poles wasn't lying about Justin Fields.

He said the current plan is for the 24-year-old to be the starter next season. He's done enough to earn that right. However, his job as the GM is always to keep his options open. He will evaluate this draft class, including the quarterbacks. If he's blown away by one of them, that might change his mind. Don't forget he didn't draft Fields, and the young quarterback showed plenty of lingering flaws. Yes, he was an electric runner, but his passing prowess was below average, and he fumbled 16 times. Those things can't be ignored simply because he had some fantastic highlights.

The hope is the Bears will beef up the offensive roster with better players this off-season. Then Justin Fields will get a fair shake, similar to what happened with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. If he falters again in 2023, the Bears can think about a quarterback change in 2024. Of course, the counterargument is the team likely won't have the #1 pick next year. Hence why this decision by Poles is a big one. He must be absolutely sure none of these incoming quarterbacks will end up greater than Fields. Otherwise, revisionist historians will lambast him for not making the change.