Chicago Bears: Ryan Poles has to put more around Justin Fields this offseason

As the Chicago Bears wrapped up their season, they entered the offseason with the No. 1 pick as a reward and a big cap lead.

None of these things mean much compared to the fact that the Bears found their quarterback in Justin Fields. This is the case even knowing that there is still a lot of room to grow as a pro passer. You see a guy who, despite the lack of pass catchers or an offensive line around him, is gradually becoming an NFL passer.

So, what will Chicago Bears G.M. Ryan Poles do this offseason?

The high priority this off-season should and very likely will be putting the necessary resources around Fields. The Bears have an opportunity to have a superstar at the QB position (something we have not seen in Chicago ever) if they execute this right.

Of course, there is plenty of self-improvement Fields must do as an NFL passer and I am pretty sure he knows that. The work ethic should be the least of fans’ concerns when it comes to Fields as he has proven early in his career that he is willing to put in the work. Now is the time for Poles to hold his end of the bargain and not repeat the same tactics from last offseason.

This off-season has to be dedicated to bringing in the necessary pieces to put around Fields. Poles cannot afford to for a second year in a row have Fields playing behind an offensive line occupied with mostly aging vets and 2nd-to-3rd string caliber talent. Nor could the Poles afford to send Fields there for reclamation work and skilled veterinarians in the hope of finding rough diamonds.

If you truly believe Fields is your guy, do for him what the Philadelphia Eagles did for Jalen Hurts. Like Fields, there was the question about Hurts’ abilities as a passer heading into his third season. The Eagles heavily entertain the idea of acquiring Deshaun Watson, which included Hurts being shipped to the Texans. The Eagles instead acquired WR A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans, joining a group that already had Devonta Smith, Quez Watkins, tight end Dallas Goedert, and an already stellar offensive line.

Philly surrounding Hurts with that type of supporting cast catapulted him to have an MVP-level year this season for them. In my opinion, Fields is a better talent than Hurts, so you can only imagine if Poles go all out this offseason in doing something similar. If you truly want to find out if Fields can be a top-level passer, this offseason, Poles must do everything in his power to get that answer come to the end of the 2023 season.