Where Bears GM Stands on Justin Fields’s Future in Chicago As Offseason Nears

Ryan Poles shared Chicago’s approach to decide who will be QB1 next season.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles believes Justin Fields has grown as a quarterback over his first three seasons.

However, Poles is not guaranteeing that Fields will the franchise’s starting signal-caller heading into the 2024 season. The Bears hold the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft.

Chicago could trade its top pick and keep Fields under center or use it on one of the talented quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, including LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye or USC’s Caleb Williams. During a Wednesday evening news conference, Poles told reporters the franchise is collecting details to determine what direction it wants to go in ’24.

“We’re in information gathering mode right now,” Poles said. “… Justin [Fields] got better; he can lead this team. At the same time there’s a unique situation and we have to look at everything.” 

Since Chicago selected Fields in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, the Bears have registered a 16–35 record that includes a 7–10 mark this season. 

As a starter, Fields has recorded a 10–28 record and has thrown for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions while completing 60.3% of his passes across three seasons. 

In addition to deciding who will be Chicago’s quarterback going forward, the Bears also have several key positions to fill this offseason after a shakeup in coach Matt Eberflus's staff.

Earlier Wednesday, the franchise announced that it parted ways with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, running backs coach Omar Young, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert and assistant tight ends coach Tim Zetts.