Justin Fields Confirms Rumor About His Bears Free Agency Plans

Justin Fields has the full support of GM Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears organization. All signs point to him staying the starting quarterback in 2023. Poles will focus all of his available resources on building the roster around the 23-year-old quarterback. It isn't hard to understand why. Fields took significant steps forward this past season, accounting for 25 touchdowns and over 3300 yards. That included the second-most yards rushing in a single season by a quarterback at 1,143.

The fact he did this with what many feel was the worst supporting cast in the NFL makes it even more impressive. His offensive line wasn't overly good, to begin with, and then suffered a litany of injuries. His wide receiving corps was basically a two-man show of Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. Then Mooney got hurt too. The holes are too many to count. Everybody expects Poles to be aggressive in trying to upgrade the offense. It starts with free agency in March. What many wondered is whether Fields would lend his rising star power to the efforts by giving recruiting pitches to potential free agents.

Fields put that rumor to bed when asked about it.

“I know Ryan has a great understanding of what needs to be done around here, what holes we might need to fill and stuff like that,” he said. “That’s not my job to control any of that. Whatever he needs me to do in terms of recruiting, I’m sure we’re going to have that conversation here in a bit. So, whatever he’s going to do, I fully trust him. His goal is to make the best team he can for us. I know he’s going to do a great job of that. We’re going to get better and work in the offseason.”

Justin Fields understands he has value in these situations.

Chicago fans are still somewhat scarred by what happened with the Bulls a few years ago. They became rather infamous for not being able to land top free agents in the 2010s despite having a roster many felt was close to championship-caliber. Part of the problem was the unwillingness of their superstar player, Derrick Rose, to act as a recruiter. Reports persisted that his disinterest in such things played a part in losing out on guys like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony. Rose felt he never needed help.

That missed opportunity haunts fans to this day. That is why Justin Fields received such questions. He is the obvious face of the franchise now. When free agents think about signing with the Bears, he will be the first person that comes to mind. If Fields makes a positive impression by pitching them why they're needed in Chicago, it could make agreeing to a deal easier for Poles. Never underestimate the power of recruiting. Fields is a smart guy. While he may not be the primary reason other players want to sign in Chicago, even a tiny extra nudge helps.