NFL world reacts to Bears GM’s blunt comments

The Chicago Bears have the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. The Bears reached the coveted mark of futility after a 3-14 season. Within the year though, Justin Fields emerged as a star and Chicago quickly became enamored with him.

So why, then, is Fields‘ name being hovered around in trade scenarios? The nature of the business in the NFL is obviously not a pleasant one. Still, this feels like something that’s gotten a bit out of control. While quarterback prospects like C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are intriguing, picking them now would reset the Bears’ clock even further backward. And right now, the Bears seem fine with where they’re at.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles silenced much of the talk on Monday though. Poles was asked about potentially selecting a QB first overall. He responded, “We’re gonna do the same as we’ve always done. We’re going to evaluate the draft class. … I’d have to absolutely be blown away to make that type of decision.”

Bears GM Ryan Poles expressed confidence in Justin Fields but isn’t ruling anything out with the No. 1 pick 👀 pic.twitter.com/BbByfzfBCa

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 10, 2023

So Fields probably won’t be sent out of Chicago anytime soon. Especially since he all but plainly stated that the former first-round selection was the team’s expected QB next season.

The NFL world reacted to Poles’ comments after they were made.

Zack Pearson said Poles simply “cleared it all up.”

Ryan Poles cleared it all up. Justin Fields is the starter for the #Bears in 2023.

Praised the young QB's playmaking ability. But did say he needs to get better as a passer. #Bears

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) January 10, 2023

Dave Kluge suggested that Poles committing or decommitting to anything would tank the value of their pick.

If Ryan Poles publicly says “Justin Fields is undoubtedly our guy in 2023,” crushes the value of the 1.01 they acquired.

Poles needs to pretend that they might take a QB with that pick to drive up the cost. If not, QB-needy teams will just call Houston for the 1.02.

— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) January 10, 2023

Ian Kenyon wasn’t… so confident.

https://t.co/pKKr5JsOGX pic.twitter.com/ZReBF4jkib

— Ian Kenyon (@ikenyonFB) January 10, 2023

And Brendan Sugrue was pleased with what was said.

Exactly what I wanted to hear on both accounts. https://t.co/JE9HX90wSm

— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) January 10, 2023

[NFL on ESPN]