Chicago Bears News: Ryan Poles addresses state of the team
Training camp has started for the Chicago Bears as veteran players reported to Halas Hall on Tuesday ahead of their first team practice on Wednesday.
Confusion immediately confronted the Bears at the start of training camp as in the span of 24 hours, wide receiver Chase Claypool was placed and, consequently, removed from the PUP list.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles met with reporters on Tuesday morning at Halas Hall and was asked about Claypool’s status.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool’s status:
#Bears GM Ryan Poles confirms that WR Chase Claypool will practice in full starting Wednesday with the rest of the team.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) July 25, 2023
Poles did provide some more detail in that Claypool needed an extra day in order to clear the physical requirement. With Claypool set to be on the practice field on Wednesday, that will allow him to continue building a connection with starting quarterback Justin Fields.
Speaking of Fields, Poles highlighted what the team is looking to see out of their quarterback this season.
What do the Chicago Bears need from quarterback Justin Fields this season:
#Bears GM Ryan Poles on goals for Justin Fields:
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) July 25, 2023
"Just to improve, looking yourself in the mirror& self assessing, & improving weaknesses."
*Poles, while praising his running , mentioned the passing game, and the two minute offense as areas in which Fields can improve.
Justin Fields has to be better as a passing quarterback this season. There is no scenario where the Bears can take a legitimate step forward in their long-term plan if Fields does not improve as a passing quarterback.
There would be a need for some decision on Fields by the end of this season as he will be a candidate for a contract extension next off-season. To that end, Poles told reporters on Tuesday that he will not be discussing contracts with reporters.
Are contract extensions coming for the Chicago Bears?
#Bears GM Ryan Poles saying up front that he will not discuss contracts.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) July 25, 2023
The Bears have three candidates for a contract extension this summer in wide receiver Darnell Mooney, tight end Cole Kmet, and cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
At the beginning of the off-season, it seemed likely that Kmet would be in a position to get a contract extension from the Bears this summer. While Johnson has been the Bears’ primary cornerback, his lack of turnovers may prevent the team from meeting his asking price. Mooney will first need to prove to be healthy before the Bears talk a new contract with their wide receiver.
Will the Chicago Bears add a pass rusher before the season?
#Bears GM Ryan Poles praised the edge rushers currently on the roster, and was asked if he'd add on to that position: "We're always going to search to improve our roster, so if it's a def. end or any position that we think can enhance our team, we're going to stay after them, and
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) July 25, 2023
Local speculation seemed to suggest that the Bears were on the verge of adding a pass rusher as training camp started but Poles pushed back on that idea on Tuesday in saying that the team may not be able to find a match before the start of the season.
dark. Next. Bears trying to add a pass rusher