INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (670 The Score) — Throughout the busy days and eventful nights as league personnel gathered at the NFL Combine last week, it became clear what the Bears will do at quarterback. It isn’t a matter of if three-year starter Justin Fields will be traded but when and to where .
As the week unfolded, Bears general manager Ryan Poles gathered intel to help inform the team's quarterback decision. The Bears met with USC quarterback Caleb Williams, investigated which teams have interest in acquiring the 24-year-old Fields and gauged the trade market for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Early in the week, shortly after he arrived in Indianapolis, Poles spoke candidly about the possibility of trading Fields, reaffirming the belief across the NFL that Chicago will select Williams with the No. 1 pick on April 25. Before then, the Bears will need to reach a deal to part ways with Fields.
“I want to do right by Justin,” Poles said of trading Fields.
While Poles won’t set a timeline for a trade, it’s certainly preferable to reach that agreement prior to March 13, when the NFL’s new league year and free agency begins. That's when teams begin turn their offseason plans into action, and they won’t be willing to wait on a trade for Fields – meaning the Bears likely wouldn’t receive the best return possible.
The Falcons and Steelers are among the most interested suitors for Fields, sources said. The Raiders are also searching for a quarterback but are believed to prefer a draft prospect. The Giants, Vikings and Broncos are also worth monitoring as potential surprise suitors for Fields.
Fields threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games last season. He displayed considerable growth, though it wasn’t enough to earn the Bears' unquestioned belief. There will be a trade market for Fields, but it’s a matter of the Bears deciding when to act at a price point that fits them.
Poles hasn't declared what he's seeking in return for Fields. The deal could resemble the one struck three years ago between the Panthers and Jets, as Carolina acquired three-year starter Sam Darnold from New York in exchange for a second-, fourth- and sixth-round pick.
The Panthers owned the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and had the opportunity to select a quarterback in that slot. But they were instead drawn to Darnold, who was then 23, at a lesser cost than their first-round pick. Coincidentally, the Falcons own the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft this year.
In the coming days, Poles plans to continue a dialogue with Fields and his party as they seek a trade, which was part of Poles' vow to "do right" by Fields in this process. With the NFL Combine now behind them, the Bears are now back at Halas Hall preparing for what comes next.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
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