Why Ryan Pace Can't Be Trusted To Build Around Justin Fields

A lot of things had to go right for the Chicago Bears to land Justin Fields. In the end, GM Ryan Pace managed to pull off the necessary move to secure the ultra-talented quarterback. Fans were understandably thrilled, feeling for the first time in a long time they had somebody capable of being a franchise QB. For a while at least it felt like Pace was back in their good graces. That hasn't lasted though. As the preseason unfolded, one thing has become clear. The Bears offense still has a number of problems beyond the quarterback position. Their offensive line is widely considered among the worst in the league. Outside of Allen Robinson, there are serious questions about their wide receiver position as well. This leads to an uncomfortable question that must be asked.

While he did draft Fields, can the Bears trust Pace to build around him?

There is no question the GM has his good points. He built one of the best defenses in the NFL over the past four years and it appears to still be strong with some up-and-coming young talents like Roquan Smith, Bilal Nichols, and Jaylon Johnson. His eye for running backs remains as impressive as ever with the arrival of 6th round pick Khalil Herbert. However, when looking at the overall picture? There should be serious concerns about Pace's ability to construct a viable offense.

• Kevin White - Played just 14 games in four years due to injuries
• Eddie Royal - Missed 14 games over two years at cost of $10 million guaranteed
• Markus Wheaton - Three catches for 51 yards in 11 games at $6 million guaranteed
• Dion Sims - Missed 10 games in two years at $6 million guaranteed
• Mitch Trubisky - Traded up to #2 to pick him and finished with 87.2 passer rating
• Adam Shaheen - Missed 23 games in three years with just 26 catches
• Taylor Gabriel - Missed 7 games in two years at $14 million guaranteed
• Trey Burton - Missed 9 games in two years at $18 million guaranteed
• Anthony Miller - Just 1500 yards and 11 TDs in three years
• Teven Jenkins - Back surgery before playing a down

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Ryan Pace has limited credibility on that side of the ball

Thus far only three of his draft picks can be called unquestionable successes on offense. They are Jordan Howard, Cody Whitehair, and Tarik Cohen. One could make a case for James Daniels as well but he still has lots to prove. As does Darnell Mooney who had a promising rookie season in 2020. Considering the GM has been in charge since 2015, having so few positives to mention is troubling. Making matters worse is that his greatest success, the signing of Robinson, could prematurely come to an end after this season. Ryan Pace has failed to lock up the 27-year old to a long-term extension. Barring an unexpected turn, Robinson will be a free agent next offseason. What sort of plan does the GM have for such a loss? Especially with no 1st round pick and limited salary cap space in 2022?

This is yet another reason it is hard to trust Pace.

While nobody disputes the man has done a lot of good things for the Bears, the fact remains that the NFL is an offensive league. It is all about the quarterbacks. Fields is their future. The GM has done almost nothing to offer hope that he will be able to construct a proper offense. That is why the McCaskey family needs to weigh the decision to keep him beyond this season very carefully.