Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has drawn criticism over his approach to the trade of Justin Fields.
Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The Bears are receiving a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick, however, the pick could be elevated to a fourth-round pick based on playing time.
Many have called this the worst trade that Poles has made in his tenure as the Bears' general manager. As long as the Chase Claypool trade remains on Poles' ledger, there is no other trade that can be worse.
Considering how the first week of free agency progressed and the fact that Fields was no longer in the Bears' plan moving forward, the type of trade like the one they made with the Steelers was always going to be the outcome.
What was the holdup on the Justin Fields' trade?
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) March 17, 2024
It wasn't about having to wait for Caleb Wiliams' medicals, @adamhoge explains. pic.twitter.com/oqvUurqjOa
It's fair to be upset about the trade, especially for the fans who wanted Fields to return to the Bears. But given the fact Fields was no longer a part of the quarterback plan at all for the Bears, making this trade now was the best possible outcome. Fields will be able to begin off-season workouts immediately with the Steelers in April while the Bears have cleared the way for a much easier transition for a rookie starting quarterback.
Everyone including current Bears' players has strong feelings about the team's decision to trade Fields.
Poles released a statement regarding the team's decision to trade Fields.
""We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in recent weeks and believe trading Justin at this time to Pittsburgh is what is best for both Justin and the Bears," general manager Ryan Poles said. "Today we spoke to Justin to inform him of the trade and the rationale behind it for us as a club. We want to thank him for his tireless dedication, leadership and all he poured into our franchise and community the last three years and wish him the best towards a long and successful NFL career.""Ryan Poles
The comments from Poles does refute any report that the team wasn't shopping Fields, which should be a telling sign that the value that many Bears fans placed on a potential trade was too high. Other teams passing on Fields is what led to the return that the Bears got from the Steelers for Fields. Coupling that with the fact Fields was no longer a part of the plan moving forward, the trade that the Bears made will always be the right decision.