Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports wrote an interesting article. The article’s premise was about the decision between Justin Fields and Caleb Williams and what the Chicago Bears could do. Robinson discussed the decision with seven different NFL general managers, and he also had them speculate on Fields’ trade value if the Bears decided to draft Caleb Williams.
But there was one quote in the article that stood out to me and provided some potential insight into Ryan Poles’ decision for the future at quarterback.
“It would be a no-brainer for me to draft Caleb,” an AFC general manager said. “The fact that we’re in Year 3 and they don’t want to take advantage of the fifth-year option tells me everything I need to know.” Despite his physical gifts, I don’t believe Fields can win consistently as a passer.”
Repeat after me: “The fact that we’re in Year 3 and they don’t want to exercise the fifth-year option tells me what I need to know.”
Wow.
Let’s return to that quote for a moment. Your first reaction might be that it’s all conjecture. He didn’t say “if”; he said “the fact.” This sounds like something he’s heard.
NFL league circles gossip like high school girls. This sort of thing happens all the time. Yes, the Chicago Bears are notoriously secretive, but what if this unidentified AFC GM is Chris Ballard or Brett Veach? Two general managers who have good relationships with Ryan Poles and may have spoken to him directly about his decision. Fields would also be uninterested in by two teams. Was it a blunder by a GM who shouldn’t have mentioned it? It certainly appears strange.
Of course, there are four games remaining in the season, and nothing is certain. The Bears could run the table, make the playoffs, and upset the Philadelphia Eagles or San Francisco 49ers in the wild card round, and Justin Fields will not be leaving. However, it raises the question of whether Poles are currently leaning in this direction.
I’m not saying this means the decision has been made and Justin Fields is gone, but it’s an eye-opening comment from a league source.
I shared the quote on Twitter, and many fans believe it’s because they haven’t stated whether or not they will exercise the fifth-year option. Nobody has one. The Jaguars haven’t even said anything about Trevor Lawrence because the fifth-year option window hasn’t opened and won’t open until after the season. They would also trade Justin Fields before having to pick up the fifth-year option, so that has no bearing.
It could be nothing, but it could be some insight into what the league is hearing about Justin Fields’ future in Chicago.
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