LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Before the Bears traded away the No. 1 overall pick and began spending in free agency, general manager Ryan Poles had a franchise-defining decision to make that would guide the direction of the offseason.
Poles had to decide whether Justin Fields would be the Bears’ starting quarterback for 2023. Poles affirmed that he would be, essentially eliminating the possibility of drafting a quarterback with the top pick.
The decision was made clear for all to see on March 10, when the Bears and Panthers reached an agreement for Chicago to send the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina, which eventually drafted Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
The Bears acquired dynamic receiver DJ Moore as part of the trade package. In free agency, Chicago signed veteran guard Nate Davis, tight end Robert Tonyan and running back D’Onta Foreman. In the first round of the NFL Draft last Thursday, Chicago then made a key investment in its offensive line by selecting Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 10 overall pick.
Chicago’s offense is now deeper and more dynamic around Fields. Poles believes the Bears have set up Fields for success in his third season.
“You want to support your quarterback,” Poles said. “We all know that's where it starts. So, you want to surround him with talent. We had to wait a little bit to do it the way I wanted to do it and the way we wanted to do it, and I think we found some good opportunities to do that -- solidify and improve the O-line, make sure that we have the running game to stay balanced and then give him different types of receivers and different threats to create separation from the tight ends to receivers so more big plays can be made and you can grow your confidence and get in a rhythm.
“We're looking forward to the offseason and putting that time in and building that chemistry so everyone can rely on each other.”
Fields, who turned 24 in March, completed 60.4% of his passes for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 15 starts in the 2022 season. He also rushed for 1,143 yards, the second-most by a quarterback in NFL history, and eight touchdowns. While Fields produced spectacular moments, he also displayed a need for considerable growth – and the Bears’ poor supporting cast on offense made that more difficult to accomplish.
Entering the 2022 season, Poles was confident in Fields' future after inheriting him from the Bears’ previous regime. Poles then emerged from the end of a challenging rebuilding year still believing in Fields while stating the organization would conduct its “due diligence” on the alternatives at quarterback.
With the key transaction periods of this offseason now complete, it’s clear the Bears are built around Fields, and their hope is he can produce a strong season that elevates the franchise.
“Amazing quarterback,” Wright said of Fields. “And the things he does, we’re going to have a great team.”
Beyond Wright, the Bears added two more offensive players in the draft, taking both Texas running back Roschon Johnson and Cincinnati receiver Tyler Scott in the fourth round. That continued the Bears' overhaul of their wide receiver room. Just prior to the trade deadline last Nov. 1, the Bears sent their second-round pick (No. 32 overall) to the Steelers in exchange for receiver Chase Claypool, who struggled in seven games with Chicago late last season.
Once again, the Bears will build their offense around the running game, but they're counting on greater production in the passing game after improving the protection around Fields and giving him more playmakers.
For his part, Fields will have personal motivation given that he’ll be eligible for a lucrative long-term contract extension next offseason. After the Bears briefly mulled their options at quarterback this offseason, Fields can solidify his place in Chicago for many years to come.
The Bears believe Fields is set up for success this season. Now, it’s up to him.
“It's got to come together,” Poles said. “But I feel like on paper, we've done a good job to surround him with good talent.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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