Insider Explains How Ryan Poles Is Under Insane Pressure Right Now

One would think GM Ryan Poles is feeling pretty confident right now. He has boatloads of cap space for free agency and holds the #1 overall pick. This is a golden opportunity for him to reshape the roster into a possible contender. It's not like his job is in jeopardy after one year. Team chairman George McCaskey is fully behind him, as is new team president Kevin Warren. No, the pressure on Poles isn't coming from fear for his job security. It stems from what to do about the most important position on his roster.

Justin Fields played better in 2022. Almost everything was an improvement from his rookie year. His running ability was outstanding. The sticking point for many was his passing. It underwhelmed for much of the season. Fields only topped 200 yards in a game twice. That isn't good, even for average quarterbacks. Some blame goes to the Bears' weak offensive line and receiving corps. Still, even Brock Purdy, a 7th round rookie, averaged more yards per game than him. That leaves Poles with a dilemma. ESPN insider Seth Walder explained it perfectly when asked which NFL team is the most interesting this off-season.

"Walder: Bears. Roll your eyes all you want, but choosing whether to keep Justin Fields and trade the No. 1 overall pick, or take another QB at No. 1 and trade Fields is a real decision. And it's a tough one. That choice will have massive ramifications and set the direction of the franchise for years to come."

Ryan Poles faces a possible lose-lose situation.

Say he opts for the obvious path. He keeps Fields and either trades or utilizes the #1 pick to bolster the roster elsewhere. That runs the risk of one of the quarterbacks in this class going elsewhere and becoming a star. Then people will lambast Poles for not having the wherewithal to make the change when he could've. On the flip side, say he makes the controversial decision to trade Fields and take his preferred QB at #1. Then Fields excels with his new team, and the replacement ends up floundering. Poles would be crucified.

It is a brutal spot to be in. A damned if you do and damned if you don't situation. That is why Ryan Poles will spend the next month doing extra research on the top quarterbacks in this draft. He has to make absolutely sure that one of them isn't an upgrade over Fields. If one of them makes a memorable impression, he must have the courage to make the hard decision. That is why the Bears pay him the big bucks. Previous GMs didn't have the guts to make a change. Jerry Angelo could've drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005 but stuck with Rex Grossman. Jim Finks bypassed Joe Montana to stick with Mike Phipps.

This situation is obviously a bit different since Fields has shown more signs of potential, but the pressure is the same. Poles can't afford to make the wrong decision.