LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – As the Bears watched quarterback Justin Fields showcase growth throughout his third NFL season, they were also scouting their alternatives at the position.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and his scouting brass traveled the country to evaluate prized prospects like USC quarterback Caleb Williams and North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. It was part of the Bears' preparation for the possibility that has indeed presented itself with Chicago owning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As he talked Wednesday at the start of this offseason, Poles wasn't yet prepared to make a decision on the Bears' future at quarterback.
"We are in information-gathering mode right now," Poles said Wednesday during his season-ending press conference. "We are going to turn over every stone to make sure that we are going to make a sound decision for our organization. I did think Justin got better. I think he can lead this team. But at the same time, there's a unique situation where I have to look and our staff has to look at everything. And that's exactly what we're going to do.
"Seeing the things that Justin did this year, his ability to make plays, coach (Matt Eberflus) talked about some of those improvements, keeping his eyes down the field, taking less sacks, you see a lot of growth there where he can continue to get better. So, I'll have the same mindset.
"There's a whole process here that we have to figure out. But what we're going to do is do what's best for the organization. I'm sure there's going to be similar situations in terms of the trade back, and I got to weigh all of those things to see what's going to help our team take the next step."
The 24-year-old Fields threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games this past season. He also rushed for 657 yards and four scores. Fields' 46.2 QBR ranked 23rd among all quarterbacks. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields has showcased growth over three NFL seasons, but the Bears' passing offense has disappointed, as it ranked 27th in the 2023 season.
A year ago, the Bears were in the same position as they are now – holding the No. 1 overall pick. Last March, they bypassed the opportunity to select Fields' replacement and instead traded the top pick to the Panthers for star receiver DJ Moore and a haul of draft capital, which included Carolina's first-round selection that became the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.
Poles is open to the possibility of trading the No. 1 pick again, but that isn't on his radar just yet. He first wants to assess all the quarterback prospects thoroughly.
"I'm wide open to anything," Poles said. "If someone wants to call me with an idea, that's fine.
"In my mind right now, I'm going to take this all the way to April."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
