No Change in Ryan Poles’ Plan: Justin Fields Remains the Chicago Bears QB1

There are times in life where no update is a good update.

And I feel as if Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles re-affirming the franchise’s commitment to Justin Fields as QB1 is one of those times:

There are few things as encouraging and reassuring as hearing the boss give you a public display of support. It’s not as if the Bears hadn’t done it at other points this offseason. Poles made it clear in January that Fields was his guy moving forward in 2023. And in interviews during Super Bowl week, Fields made it seem like he knew he was the guy. Even still … we can’t overvalue how much extra assurance means to the player (and organization). And communicating that to the player is extra important. Now, that is a valuable takeaway that is applicable across the board.

To be clear, Poles did confirm that he would also do his due diligence and meet with the draft QBs. Believe me when I say that is a good thing. Especially when you consider how much information one can glean from chopping it up with any and all QB prospects. Moreover, Poles added he would be in communication with Fields throughout the process. In other words, Fields won’t be blindsided this offseason. Not by anything that will come out regarding the Bears’ connection with any of the draft’s top quarterback prospects. Or even other offseason team-building plans. And that isn’t inconsequential. All you have to do is look up north to see how costly failure to communicate can be.

At the end of the day, there is no way you could come away from Poles’ presser and think that anyone other than Fields will be Chicago’s starting quarterback in 2023. Not unless you weren’t actively trying not to get the message. With that being settled, we can move on and figure out fits for an endless to-do list.