A lot of people wanted to think the Chicago Bears weren’t too far away from contention. The defense was still good. If they could get the offense up to speed around Justin Fields, they might be able to make a run. GM Ryan Poles didn’t see it that way. He likely saw it from the perspective of somebody coming from one of the best teams in the NFL. This roster is old, expensive, and thin in way too many spots.
It needs a reboot. The Bears’ window closed the moment it became apparent Mitch Trubisky wasn’t who they were hoping for at quarterback. Thus Poles took the only approach that made logical sense. With only five draft picks in 2022 and limited cap space, he elected to trade star pass rusher, Khalil Mack. The move nets the team a 2nd round pick this year and a 6th round pick in 2023. They also clear $6 million off the books.
It isn’t the end anybody wanted, but it’s a move he deemed necessary.
Facts are facts. This season, Chicago wasn’t going anywhere even if Mack came back 100% healthy. Justin Fields would have to take a huge step forward in his development at quarterback. That never seemed likely given how weak the Bears are on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Not to mention he’s starting over in a new offense. It will take time for him to start playing at a high enough level to get this team deep into January.
So much of Bears twitter didn’t understand the likelihood of this move. Poles doesn’t like this roster. And he’s gonna change all of it. https://t.co/LbiwAT5MRd
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) March 10, 2022
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Poles didn’t view this roster as a few players away. He viewed this roster as poor. And now he’s doing something about it. Let’s see how it goes.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) March 10, 2022
To get him there, Poles needs to start building around him. He can’t do that without money and picks. Ryan Pace never fully committed to doing that with Mitch Trubisky. Most of the resources were devoted to the defensive side of the ball. The only major contracts he ever handed out on offense were to Allen Robinson and Bobby Massie. Meanwhile, guys like Mack, Eddie Jackson, and Robert Quinn were getting megadeals.
Ryan Poles can’t afford to make that same mistake
Fields was not his pick. Yet the evidence shows he is a believer in the young quarterback. He has to find out if the 23-year old is truly franchise material or not. To do that, he needs help around him. Better protection up front and viable weapons to throw to. Right now, the Bears have neither outside of Darnell Mooney. Expect that to change. They have six picks now, including two in the 2nd round. They’re just shy of $30 million in cap space too.
Don’t be shocked if Mack isn’t the last player who gets dealt. Other older veterans could find their way out if the price is right. Robert Quinn had 19 sacks last season. Pass rushers are always in high demand. Eddie Goldman might still have value as a run-stopper. Even Eddie Jackson could bring in something if a team believes he can regain some of his old form from 2018. Ryan Poles is operating like somebody open for business.
Everything not nailed down must go.
The message is clear. Pace’s time is over. His roster will be deconstructed and rebuilt into something that resembles Poles’ vision. This is what happens when teams change their entire power structure. Even great players aren’t safe. It is nice to see the new GM has the fortitude to make such tough decisions.
